Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), has called for a renewed global commitment to the Geneva Conventions as they mark their 75th anniversary.
Speaking at a commemorative event hosted by the KAIPTC, Maj. Gen. Gyane emphasized the enduring significance of the Conventions, which have served as the foundation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) since their adoption in 1949.
"The Geneva Conventions have been a cornerstone in promoting humanity and compassion, even amidst conflict. For 75 years, they have safeguarded millions of lives and provided dignity to soldiers, women, children, and vulnerable groups impacted by war," Maj. Gen. Gyane stated, acknowledging the contributions of Henry Dunant, whose vision of humane treatment during war inspired the Conventions.
Reflecting on the challenges facing IHL today, he highlighted the evolving nature of conflicts, especially with the rise of non-state actors and the use of asymmetrical warfare, which has increasingly endangered civilians.
"The changing dynamics of conflict, including the alarming increase in attacks on civilian populations, forced displacements, and environmental issues, require us to question how the Geneva Conventions can adapt to contemporary conflicts," he said.
Maj. Gen. Gyane underscored the critical need for countries to uphold the tenets of the Geneva Conventions, pointing out that failure to do so could diminish their moral authority.
Citing U.S. Senator Charles Schumer’s concerns, he asked, "If we say the Geneva Convention is obsolete, then what do others who have our soldiers say?"
He urged continued respect for IHL to maintain the dignity of soldiers and civilians alike.
He also addressed obstacles in enforcing compliance with IHL, such as accountability and international cooperation challenges.
"Strengthening international collaboration is crucial to enhance compliance and ensure accountability for violations," Maj. Gen. Gyane remarked.
He affirmed KAIPTC’s dedication to fostering peace and security through training and capacity-building, equipping peacekeepers to respect IHL principles in even the most challenging situations.
As the world faces increasingly complex conflicts, Maj. Gen. Gyane advocated for strengthening humanitarian protections and respecting the rights of all parties involved in conflict.
"We must aim for a world where, in all conflict situations, civilians are shielded from harm, and dignity prevails, even amidst the worst provocations," he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Swiss Government for supporting KAIPTC’s commemoration of this milestone and honored the courage of peacekeepers, humanitarian workers, and others who work to protect lives in conflict zones.
The Commandant reaffirmed KAIPTC’s commitment to promoting global peace, stating, "Let us strive for a future where the Geneva Conventions are not just a legacy but a living testament to our shared humanity."
Taking her turn, Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger emphasized the pressing need for global adherence to international humanitarian principles.
The symposium, co-organized by the Swiss Embassy and the Peace Training Center, focused on the challenges in implementing international humanitarian law (IHL) amidst escalating conflicts worldwide.
Ambassador Giger underscored the troubling rise in conflict-related fatalities, referencing data from the Stockholm International Peace Institute.
She noted that conflict-related deaths surged from 153,000 in 2022 to over 170,000 in 2023, with high-intensity conflicts like those in Myanmar, Sudan, Israel-Palestine, and Ukraine contributing significantly to the toll. Sub-Saharan Africa, she said, remains the region with the most conflicts, though fatalities have declined in some areas, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.
However, Sudan and Burkina Faso have seen significant increases in violence, affecting civilian populations, especially women and children.
“The Geneva Conventions represent a universal commitment to a measure of humanity even amidst war,” Madam Giger stated, reflecting on Switzerland's unique role in humanitarian diplomacy as the custodian of these international treaties since 1949.
"The Conventions protect those not engaged in hostilities—civilians, medical personnel, and humanitarian workers—as well as the wounded and prisoners of war."
In response to a United Nations General Assembly resolution in September, Switzerland has agreed to host a Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention in March 2025.
The conference will specifically address the protection of civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and will focus on upholding IHL in these conflict zones.
Madam Giger stressed that the conference aims to produce a unified declaration reaffirming IHL's core principles and committing parties to concrete actions that bolster the Convention’s enforcement.
She emphasized the importance of IHL in limiting wartime suffering and facilitating peace.
“Respect for IHL is ultimately in everyone’s interest,” she asserted, adding that any violation of these rules not only endangers civilians but also undermines post-conflict reconciliation.
The Swiss ambassador concluded by calling for a renewed, global commitment to uphold the Geneva Conventions as a safeguard for “our common humanity,” inviting the audience to engage in discussions with representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian stakeholders on the role of IHL in today’s complex conflicts.
The symposium highlighted that, even after 75 years, the Geneva Conventions remain a critical framework for preserving human dignity in the face of war.
Others speakers took turns to share their views on the evolution of International Humanitarian Law, how far so far; challenges and lessons learnt from the Israeli-Palestinian context, contemporary dilemmas and challenges of ICRC as custodians of IHL as well as upholding IHL in peacekeeping theatres.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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