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Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues,
I bring you a terrifying number: 120.
There are currently more than 120 armed conflicts around the world. Only a few receive international attention, but millions of people suffer in war and are almost never in the news.
Faced with this alarming fact, we cannot let our standards or aspirations fall, nor give up what we have achieved so far for humanity. The raison d’être of international humanitarian law is the reduction of suffering in armed conflicts. If it is not applied today, when the needs become pressing, when will it be applied?
Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions states that “The High Contracting Parties undertake to respect and ensure respect for this Convention in all circumstances”. You are the High Contracting Parties. It is not enough to report violations of the right to distance. States must use every tool at their disposal to prevent and end violations that lead to human suffering.
The five resolutions that form the basis of this year’s international conference address issues crucial to humanitarian action. In a world that continues to be ravaged by armed conflict, of particular importance is the resolution “Forging a universal culture of respect for international humanitarian law”, which calls on States to strengthen legal frameworks and uphold humanitarian principles.
The Geneva Conventions give the ICRC a unique role as a neutral and impartial humanitarian organisation, enabling it to protect and assist civilians and prisoners of war and to promote respect for IHL in armed conflicts. This is vital work to preserve human dignity, whether it is caring for the injured or directly informing stakeholders about violations of international humanitarian law.
To work effectively we must respect neutrality and independence. Confidentiality allows us to be neutral. Our top priority is access to those who need it most. Neutrality persists in all armed conflicts. Regardless of the situation, the region or the actors involved, the ICRC does not choose a side: we defend the victims of war.
National Societies occupy a very important place in the promotion of IHL. As deep-rooted community actors and auxiliaries to public authorities in the humanitarian field, the work you do is essential to help governments meet their obligations and protect the humanitarian principles that enable impartial and effective humanitarian action.
The essence of international humanitarian law survives the passage of time, as it adapts to the evolution of warfare along with new methods and technologies, and becomes flexible enough to accompany these changes without giving up its fundamental condition. IHL is not static: it has always evolved to respond to technological advances and new weapons systems.
Every resolution, decision and commitment that emerges in this space is for the benefit of those suffering from armed conflicts, disasters and emergencies. Our work confirms the need to prioritize humanity and highlights a key principle: universality. A universal response is needed to alleviate universal suffering.
Dear colleagues:
This Conference is the most important international platform to help people affected by crises from a non-politicized place. I hope that we will all guard this space and work together with the National Societies, the International Federation and the ICRC so that the spirit of the Red Cross and Red Crescent prevails and guides the world amidst uncertainty. We protect what our Movement defends: neutrality, impartiality and independence; and what unites us: humanity.
I repeat once again: this is not the time to lower standards, scale back aspirations or take back what we have achieved. This is the time to apply international humanitarian law and ensure that humanity prevails over all else.
Millions of people suffering from armed conflicts are counting on it.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and International Humanitarian Law Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our program, and thank you for joining us today. The statistics you’ve brought to our attention are staggering—over 120 armed conflicts currently affecting millions globally. Can you elaborate on the significance of this figure and what it means for humanitarian efforts?
Expert: Thank you for having me. Yes, the number 120 represents not just conflicts, but lives disrupted, communities torn apart, and a staggering amount of suffering that is often overlooked. While some conflicts receive media attention, many others do not, leaving countless individuals without the humanitarian assistance they desperately need. This underlines the urgency of international humanitarian law (IHL) and the responsibilities of states to protect civilians and ensure adherence to these laws even in the face of such distressing statistics.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the responsibility of states as outlined in Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions. How can states better uphold their obligations to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law?
Expert: Absolutely. States must take a proactive approach. This means not only reporting violations but actively working to prevent them. It’s essential for governments to strengthen their legal frameworks, engage with international organizations, and train their armed forces on the importance of IHL. The resolutions proposed in this year’s international conference, particularly the one on forging a universal culture of respect for IHL, are critical. This calls for collective action—countries need to support one another in upholding humanitarian principles.
Time.news Editor: The role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is quite unique in this landscape. How does the ICRC maintain its neutrality and independence in such complex circumstances?
Expert: The ICRC’s neutrality is fundamental to its effectiveness. It allows them to operate in diverse environments and reach those in need, regardless of the conflict’s nature. By maintaining confidentiality in its discussions with various parties, the ICRC can build trust and negotiate access to affected populations. This independence ensures that their focus remains solely on assisting victims of war and upholding human dignity, without being seen as taking sides in the conflict.
Time.news Editor: Community involvement seems to play a critical role as well. Can you explain how National Societies contribute to the promotion of IHL and humanitarian action?
Expert: Certainly. National Societies serve as vital links between communities and their governments. They are rooted in local cultures and therefore possess unique insights into community needs and how best to address them. By assisting governments in meeting their humanitarian obligations, these organizations help promote IHL at a grassroots level. Their work strengthens the overall humanitarian framework by ensuring that communities are aware of their rights and the protections available to them under IHL.
Time.news Editor: With so many conflicts ongoing, what message would you like to leave our audience regarding the future of humanitarian law and the imperative to act?
Expert: Our message must remain clear: We cannot allow the sheer number of conflicts to desensitize us to the suffering of those caught within them. Humanitarian law exists to protect the most vulnerable among us, and its principles must be upheld universally. As civilians, we have a role too—by advocating for policies that prioritize human rights and supporting humanitarian organizations, we can all contribute to a world where dignity and respect prevail even in the darkest of times. It is the collective responsibility of the international community to ensure that humanitarian efforts are prioritized and that no one is forgotten in conflict.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing these important insights. It’s crucial for our audience to understand the vital work being done and the role we can all play in advocating for humanitarian law and support for those affected by conflict.
Expert: Thank you for bringing attention to these issues. Together, we can foster a more compassionate response to global humanitarian crises.