In a world marred by over 120 armed conflicts, international humanitarian law with its Geneva Conventions is the compass that must be used to guide the international community through the tempest of instability. The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, made it clear that it is vital to respect these rules agreed to by a very large majority of the world's states – 196 – 75 years ago. "Words alone won't save anyone. They must be followed by concrete action," said Mr Cassis. The Federal Council has just approved its second report on Switzerland's implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL). "The practical application of IHL is first and foremost linked to decisions taken by states," Mr Cassis underscored, before urging the representatives of the states present to put their rhetoric into action.
Developments in international humanitarian law
Common rules of the international community must also be adapted to a rapidly changing world. The acceleration of technological development, with the opportunities it opens up but also the risks it poses, climate change and the disasters it brings, and rampant disinformation are just some of the issues at the heart of the work being done of the Conference in Geneva. The aim of this work is – among other things – to strengthen the application of international humanitarian law, thereby addressing the upsurge in humanitarian needs and facilitating response efforts.
Switzerland's priorities
Switzerland will be negotiating with clear objectives that range from defining global humanitarian priorities to improving synergies, and from strengthening the legal civilian protection framework to anticipating crisis factors and stopping them from emerging. These objectives are ambitious, but we must not let that discourage us. Mr Cassis called on the participants to follow the example of Henry Dunant who, in the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino, laid the groundwork for the first Geneva Convention and the ICRC. "Let us think of our predecessors who, 75 years ago, built hope on the ruins and horrors of the Second World War," he added.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is one of Switzerland's main partners in implementing its foreign policy imperatives in the humanitarian field. Indeed, the Federal Constitution requires Switzerland to take action to help protect civilian populations and alleviate the human suffering caused by conflicts and disasters.
Further information:
Opening Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis
Address for enquiries:
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
