The rules of war took centre stage at an event in London marking the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
In an age of increasing conflict and humanitarian needs, last night’s event at the UK Swiss Embassy was a chance to highlight the enduring importance of the Geneva Conventions, which are at the heart of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
In a polarized world, the Geneva Conventions preserve “a minimum basis of common humanity in a time where humanity is devastated and destroyed around you because of the conflict dynamics,” said ICRC’s director general Pierre Krähenbühl in the keynote speech.
“International humanitarian law was crafted in such a way to create a very delicate balance between elements of military necessity and wider humanitarian and human considerations,” he said.
“How do you reconcile the objective of your military mission with your obligation to protect civilians and to ensure that you don’t target civilian installations.”
Krähenbühl acknowledged the challenges facing IHL today, notably from the rise in new technologies in use on the battlefield. He also warned against “permissive attitudes” in how the law is applied.
“International humanitarian law means obligations on parties,” he said.
“These are rules that we have to take seriously and they are not being taken seriously enough today.
“Too many permissive attitudes, too many broad and wide interpretations. And you make one exception with an ally or partn