ICRC chief decries violations of Inte4rnational humanitarian law

In the face of escalating violent conflicts, Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric condemned the blatant violations of international laws governing warfare, which are leading to severe consequences on the ground, in a recent interview with AFP.

Spoljaric, who heads the International Committee of the Red Cross, stated, “We are witnessing ongoing breaches of international humanitarian law amidst a growing number of conflicts.” She emphasized the importance of recognizing that respect for humanity is essential to achieving peace.

Unfortunately, this respect seems increasingly rare, with over 120 armed conflicts currently occurring worldwide, according to Spoljaric. In various crises—including the devastating civil war in Sudan, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon—efforts to protect civilian lives appear minimal.

“The civilian casualty figures we are seeing today, along with the rapid increase in displaced individuals, are unacceptable,” she remarked. “There is an urgent need for better adherence to international humanitarian law.”

### Addressing ‘Unnecessary Suffering’

International humanitarian law (IHL), known as the laws of war and outlined in the Geneva Conventions, aims to limit the impacts of armed conflict by protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure while regulating the means and methods of warfare.

Spoljaric described IHL as “a practical set of norms” that includes the obligation to respect medical facilities and ensure proper treatment of prisoners of war. She noted that when civilians are asked to evacuate, they must be allowed to do so safely, with access to secure locations, food, water, shelter, and medical care.

“There are numerous provisions in humanitarian treaties designed to reduce unnecessary suffering among civilians during armed conflicts,” she added.

Next week, the ICRC will co-host an international conference with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to focus on enhancing compliance with international law. Spoljaric referred to this as “a no-brainer,” highlighting that all states have ratified the Geneva Conventions and pledged to uphold humanity in challenging situations.

“Sadly, that is not the reality we see on the ground,” she noted.

While acting as a neutral mediator in conflicts, Spoljaric refrained from assigning blame but expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating health systems in regions like the Middle East, Sudan, and Myanmar. “Why is this necessary for achieving military objectives?” she asked, questioning how parties interpret the principles of distinction and proportionality in military operations.

She criticized the “erosion of international humanitarian law to the point where it permits any actions during hostilities to achieve military aims.”

One significant challenge today, she stated, is the belief that the enemy must be completely vanquished. “It contradicts the essence of international humanitarian law to dehumanize others for the sake of your own safety and security,” she asserted.

Spoljaric reminded listeners that the Geneva Conventions were established in 1949 to prevent a recurrence of the atrocities seen during World War II. “We must not revert to that era,” she warned. “We cannot allow a situation where one side can destroy the other at any cost.”