Human rights: Preventing war atrocities: more political will needed

According to experts, the growing number of violations of the Geneva Conventions for the protection of people in war situations is a disgrace for humanity. On the 75th anniversary of the signing of the four Geneva Conventions, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is calling on governments and warring parties to strengthen the political will to comply with the protection rules. The conventions were signed on August 12, 1949 and came into force one year later.

A step backwards for our common humanity

“The Geneva Conventions were created precisely to protect civilians, prisoners, the wounded and the sick from the horrors of conflict,” Laurent Gisel, a lawyer at the ICRC, told the German Press Agency. “Violating them is a massive step backwards for our common humanity.”

Gisel heads the ICRC’s Weapons and Warfare Department. The ICRC monitors the conventions. It is mandated by the international community to provide humanitarian assistance in the event of armed conflicts and other situations.

Stronger political will needed

Attacks such as those on homes in Ukraine, hospitals in the Gaza Strip and the encirclement and starvation of civilians in Sudan are prohibited by the Geneva Conventions. “The political will of the international community and the implementation of the Geneva Conventions on the battlefield are necessary to protect lives,” said Gisel. “States and parties to the conflict must now lead by example. Making compliance with the laws of war a political priority is essential to ensure that these laws continue to protect humanity in times of conflict.”