On Monday, August 26, 2024, a significant panel discussion was co-hosted by the Governments of Sierra Leone and Switzerland at the Palais des Nations in Geneva to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
The event, titled “75 Years of the Geneva Conventions: A Renewed Commitment to Upholding International Humanitarian Law,” brought together esteemed representatives from the United Nations Security Council, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and various humanitarian organizations.
His Excellency, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, delivered a poignant keynote address, reflecting on the enduring significance of the Geneva Conventions and the principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Alhaji. Kabba shared personal insights, recalling his own experience as a child soldier during Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war in the 1990s. He credited the ICRC with playing a crucial role in his recovery and reintegration into society, underscoring the importance of humanitarian aid and international cooperation in post-conflict recovery.
“Standing here today as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is a testament both to the salutary effects of humanitarianism and to the great need for multilateral cooperation,” Kabba stated.
He emphasized Sierra Leone’s journey from a nation ravaged by war to one committed to peace and justice, driven by a deep appreciation for the principles enshrined in the Geneva Conventions.
Minister Kabba noted the increasing violations of International Humanitarian Law worldwide, including attacks on civilians and humanitarian personnel, the targeting of healthcare facilities, and the denial of aid to those in desperate need.
He called for stronger global efforts to ensure compliance with the Geneva Conventions and to hold violators accountable.
“Today, as we reflect on the journey thus far, we must also renew our commitment to these foundational principles that safeguard human dignity in times of armed conflict,” Kabba urged.
He commended Switzerland for its leadership in the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2730 (2024), which calls on states to respect and protect United Nations and humanitarian personnel in accordance with their obligations under international law.
Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba closed the session with a message of hope and determination: “Let us pledge to strengthen our efforts to protect civilians, respect the rights of prisoners of war, and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. The principles enshrined in the Geneva Conventions are not merely legal obligations; they are moral imperatives that reflect our shared humanity.”
Representatives from the ICRC and various UN Security Council member states echoed Kabba’s sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of the Geneva Conventions in shaping modern humanitarian principles and calling for collective action to address current challenges in upholding these laws.
Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the ICRC, reiterated the need for a renewed commitment to humanitarian principles amid an increasingly volatile global landscape. “The 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions reminds us that wars must have limits, and that respect for human dignity and compassion must always guide our actions,” she stated.
As the panel concluded, there was a unanimous call for increased collaboration among states, international organizations, and civil society to strengthen the framework of International Humanitarian Law and ensure its effective implementation.
The event underscored the ongoing need for global solidarity in upholding the Geneva Conventions and protecting the most vulnerable in times of conflict, as participants pledged to carry forward the legacy of these critical humanitarian laws.
