International Humanitarian Law—Saudi Arabia Hosts High-level Geneva Panel On Disarmament And Peace

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva has hosted a high-level panel with the International Committee of the Red Cross, highlighting efforts to link disarmament, international humanitarian law and peace. The discussion formed part of Saudi Arabia’s role as co-chair of Track Three within the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law.

The panel focused on the theme of "reducing suffering and promoting peace: a humanitarian perspective on disarmament." Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz took part, alongside international experts, to assess how humanitarian principles can shape global disarmament debates.

Prince Turki reviewed rising strains on the international system, noting that respect for international law, including International Humanitarian Law, is declining in many conflicts. This erosion, Prince Turki explained, has led to more intense wars and greater suffering among civilians. Prince Turki warned that sidelining legal rules allows violence to spread unchecked.

During the discussion, Prince Turki stressed that the rule of international law is an essential foundation for security and stability worldwide. Prince Turki cautioned that replacing the force of law with the force of power weakens international stability and encourages impunity. This message was linked directly to debates on weapons, conflict conduct and civilian protection.

Prince Turki underlined that Saudi Arabia’s approach to International Humanitarian Law is rooted in Islamic Sharia values. These values include mercy, justice and safeguarding human dignity, even in armed conflict. Prince Turki noted that such principles guide Saudi Arabia’s positions in negotiations on disarmament, conflict resolution and post-conflict recovery.

The panel also reviewed the Kingdom’s long-standing engagement with International Humanitarian Law instruments and processes. Saudi Arabia’s early accession to the Geneva Conventions was highlighted, along with participation in the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL. Co-chairing Track Three connects these legal commitments with wider peacebuilding efforts.

Officials explained that organising this event in Geneva supports the mission’s wider work with international organisations. The panel aimed to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s active role in multilateral discussions on International Humanitarian Law and disarmament. Participants said the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s humanitarian orientation and its stated commitment to international peace, security and stability.

With inputs from SPA