By Yohannes Fentahun
Seventy-five years ago, in the wake of the horrors of World War II, the international community came together to forge a new path. This wasn't a path towards victory, but one towards compassion, towards protecting those caught in the crossfire of conflict. The Geneva Conventions, ratified in 1949, marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of international humanitarian law.
Co-hosted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the government of Switzerland the 75th anniversary of the four Geneva conventions has been commemorated in Addis Ababa in the presence of the representatives of the international community residing in Addis Ababa.
This year, as the international community celebrates the 75th anniversary of the GC75, it commemorate not just a legal framework, but a testament to the enduring power of human empathy and the enduring pursuit of dignity for all.
In his keynote address, which was delivered on behalf of Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, Semunegus Hailegiorgis, Director General of International Organization Affairs with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underlined drew attention to the significance of the 75th anniversary, calling it ‘’a historic milestone that reflects the lasting legacy of humanitarian principles.’’
“The core values of the Geneva Conventions remain vital in upholding human dignity, even as the nature of armed conflict evolves,’’ Hailegiorgis told attendees drawn from all stakes, including the AU, IGAD and UNECA. He used the occasion to urge continued commitment to these principles, which stand as vanguards of humanity.
Bruce Mokaya Orina, Head of the ICRC Delegation to the African Union for his part applauded Ethiopia for being ‘’the first African country to sign the Geneva Convention in 1949’’ urged the international community to double efforts for the protection of International Human Rights Law (IHL). Bruce also underscored the need for effective domestication of the principles of the Geneva Convention in member states customary law.
Other speakers, including Pietro Mona, Swiss Ambassador to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the AU, IGAD and UNECA, reiterated the need to up commitment to support the efforts on the protection of Human Rights in line with the principles of the Geneva.
The four Geneva Conventions are ratified by all UN member states and widely incorporated into regional and national laws. In Africa, the Constitutive Act of the Union, the Kampala Convention on IDPs, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child contain provisions supporting the Conventions.
The event held at the Sky Light Hottel served as the launch of the International Humanitarian Law Caucus, organized by the Government of Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).//