To mark the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, co-hosted a high-level panel today with his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis. The event, held at Place des Nations in Geneva, underscored the enduring significance of these international treaties in safeguarding human rights during armed conflicts.

The Geneva Conventions, along with their additional protocols, serve as the cornerstone of modern international humanitarian law, setting standards for the protection of individuals caught in the crossfire of war. The commemorative session featured welcoming remarks by Minister Kabba, opening remarks by Federal Councillor Cassis, and a keynote address from Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

In his remarks, Cassis emphasized the critical role the Geneva Conventions continue to play in saving lives and protecting victims of armed conflict. He stressed that the challenge lies not in the laws themselves but in the global commitment to upholding them. Cassis also reaffirmed Switzerland’s dedication to protecting civilians and humanitarian personnel, a priority on its agenda as a member of the United Nations Security Council.

Following the event, symbolic chairs were placed at various international locations to further promote the message of humanity and the necessity of action in conflict zones. A roundtable discussion at the Maison de la Paix highlighted the ongoing relevance of the Conventions. Kabba, who currently holds the Security Council Presidency for August, called on states and international actors to renew their commitment to international humanitarian law and prioritize the Geneva Conventions at the political level.

This event served as a poignant reminder of the Conventions’ continued relevance in a world facing over 120 active conflicts, stressing the need for unwavering adherence to the principles that protect human dignity and reduce suffering in times of war.