Guatemala City, November 21, 2024.– In the year in which the Geneva Conventions – cornerstone of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) – celebrate 75 years of protection of victims of armed conflicts, the Embassy of Switzerland in Guatemala and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recall , through a photographic exhibition and a panel of IHL experts, which lThe laws of war are still valid and necessary.
Approved in 1949, the Geneva Conventions have achieved universal ratification, representing, on the one hand, global recognition that war requires rules that limit its devastating effects and, on the other, a firm commitment to preserving humanity in armed conflicts.
Historically, almost all wars have had at least some rules governing how their battles could be fought and how to protect those at risk, including prisoners, children, the wounded, and the sick. IHL integrates and strengthens legal traditions, civilizations and cultures and is a common heritage of humanity. The value of global consensus around these rules that limit the human cost of war should not be underestimated.. In fact, there is no stronger instrument in the world to protect the victims of armed conflicts in times of war.
Through a panel of experts to discuss the validity of IHL today and a photographic exhibition that traces the history of the Geneva Conventions from their creation to today, the Embassy of Switzerland in Guatemala and the International Committee of the Red Cross seek to highlight the challenge of stay updated.
“Everything is fine? No. As you know, conflicts in the world have increased and already today there are more than 100 of them. The suffering of human beings affected by wars is immeasurable. As a result, violations of international humanitarian law have increased alarmingly in recent years. For this reason, Switzerland, as the custodian state of the Geneva Conventions, has called on the international community to intensify signature and ratification in 2024,” said Roger Denzer, Swiss ambassador to Guatemala.
For his part, Karim Khallaayoun, head of mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Guatemala, underlined that “after their adoption 75 years ago, the Geneva Conventions remain essential to limit the effects of war, prevent or mitigate human suffering and protect the dignity of people. We reiterate today the appeal to States to reaffirm the universally binding force of international humanitarian law and we dare to remind them that they are obliged, by virtue of Article 1 common to these Conventions, not only to respect but also to ensure respect for the Geneva Conventions in all circumstances.”
With this activity, both the Swiss Embassy and the ICRC reaffirm this for the next 75 years The world needs the Geneva Conventions to continue to be respected responsibly and fully.. Any other option would mean betraying the commitment made on 12 August 1949. Likewise, they invite the Guatemalan population to participate in the photographic exhibition which will be accessible to the entire public via the ICRC website and then to the public in Guatemala at site to be announced soon.
– How do contemporary conflicts challenge the enforcement of the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Elena Torres, Expert on International Humanitarian Law
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Torres! Thank you for joining us today. With the Geneva Conventions celebrating their 75th anniversary, it’s a pivotal moment for discussing International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Can you start by telling us why the Geneva Conventions remain so significant today?
Dr. Elena Torres: Good morning! Thank you for having me. The Geneva Conventions are significant not just as historical documents but as living instruments that enforce rules during conflict. They establish minimum standards for humane treatment, not just for soldiers but also for civilians, the wounded, and prisoners of war. Their universal ratification reflects a global consensus on the necessity of limiting the horrors of war, which is as vital now as it was in 1949.
Editor: That’s a great point. The ongoing conflicts around the world suggest that the challenges of combat and civilian protection are ever-present. What does this year’s commemoration in Guatemala symbolize for such regions suffering from heightened conflict?
Dr. Torres: The exhibition and panel in Guatemala signify a commitment to keeping the dialog about IHL alive and relevant. With over 100 conflicts raging today, public awareness and scholarly discourse are crucial. By showcasing the history of the Geneva Conventions, we reinforce that these laws are adaptable and continue to provide a framework for addressing modern war’s complexities.
Editor: It seems there’s a strong connection between history and contemporary issues. Could you elaborate on how IHL integrates and strengthens legal traditions across different cultures?
Dr. Torres: Of course. IHL is rooted in the idea that, regardless of the conflict, there are shared values that transcend cultural and legal boundaries. By promoting common standards for humanity, it harmonizes various legal traditions, encouraging nations to uphold the principles of dignity and protection even amid warfare. This shared heritage of protecting human rights is what makes IHL a pillar of international law.
Editor: Some may argue that the rules of war, including the Geneva Conventions, have become increasingly difficult to enforce in today’s complex conflict environments. What is your perspective on this challenge?
Dr. Torres: Enforcement is indeed a challenge, particularly with asymmetrical warfare and non-state actors, where traditional rules may not apply neatly. However, the principles of IHL remain relevant, and there is an urgent need to adapt and update our approaches to enforcement. We need stronger mechanisms to hold violators accountable and ensure that the laws evolve alongside the nature of warfare.
Editor: This brings us to the heart of the conversation—how do we ensure the laws of war are respected in today’s conflicts?
Dr. Torres: Education plays a vital role. Awareness-raising campaigns, like the one organized by the ICRC and the Swiss Embassy, help inform both combatants and civilians about their rights and obligations under IHL. Additionally, fostering a robust international community that supports accountability for war crimes is essential. Each country has a role in upholding and implementing IHL within its own legal frameworks and promoting compliance worldwide.
Editor: Thank you for shedding light on this critical topic, Dr. Torres. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern warfare, it’s essential to remember the importance of these laws in preserving humanity in our darkest moments.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for discussing these vital issues. We must remain vigilant and committed to upholding these laws to protect those most affected by armed conflicts.
Editor: Absolutely. Thank you for your insights, and we look forward to further discussions on how we can all contribute to the conversation surrounding International Humanitarian Law.