Geneva Convention 75th anniversary

As the Geneva Conventions mark their 75th anniversary, the principles designed to protect civilians, detainees, and wounded soldiers in warfare are increasingly disregarded across conflict zones, including Gaza, Syria, Ukraine, and Myanmar. Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), emphasized the urgent need for a renewed commitment to international humanitarian law, stating that it is being undermined to justify violence. The conventions, adopted by nearly all countries since 1949, establish rules against torture and mandate humane treatment of detainees, yet many combatants exploit loopholes or misinterpret the laws. The ICRC reported over 120 active conflicts worldwide, a six-fold increase since the conventions' 50th anniversary. There is a pressing call to reaffirm the values enshrined in the Geneva Conventions to prevent the dehumanization of combatants and civilians. The necessity for adherence to these laws is more critical than ever, as violations continue to escalate, resulting in increased suffering and loss of life.