75 years of Geneva Conventions – A Time to Reaffirm Commitments to the Rules of War
Date: Wednesday 02 October 2024, 9:30am – 4pm
Venue: Royal Irish Academy
Background
The prevalence of over 100 armed conflicts worldwide underscores the critical importance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). IHL establishes minimum standards of protection and a commitment to humanity that has been universally agreed to by the international community of states. IHL plays a pivotal role in reducing the human cost of war by requiring respect for several rules that seek to protect the victims of armed conflict. Respecting, and promoting respect for, IHL can save lives, while neglecting them only amplifies human suffering and obstruct pathways to resolving conflicts and achieving peace.
In Ireland, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have captured extensive media and political attention and stirred significant concern among the public. This heightened visibility of IHL is encouraging albeit it reveals a need to enhance understanding of IHL regarding its ensuing rights, obligations and protection. The IHL conference will also provide the opportunity to highlight ongoing armed conflicts, such as Sudan and Syria, that receive less attention.
The 75th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions should serve as a crucial moment to reaffirm the essence of the Geneva Conventions and advocate for respect and enhanced compliance with these universally recognized norms. The increase in the number of armed conflicts and the current challenges with IHL necessitates a recommitment by States and other actors to ensuring compliance with IHL, and a conversation about the role that Ireland and those within different sectors can play in the promotion and implementation of IHL.
The conference will consist of one keynote speech and three panel moderated discussions:
- Protecting Civilian’s in Today’s Conflict Zones
- Implementation and Compliance: Evaluating Ireland’s Role
- The Next 75 Years: Modern Threats
See the full agenda here.
Speakers
Irish Red Cross is thrilled to announce a wide range of impressive speakers including:
- Minister of State Sean Fleming, Department of Foreign Affairs (Keynote Speaker)
- Hichem Khadhraoui, Executive Director of Center for Civilians in Conflict
- Dr. Hanna Kaade, Medical Doctor and International Delegate and Health Advisor with the German Red Cross
- Karol Balfe the CEO of ActionAid Ireland
- Dr. Christiane Ahlborn Assistant Professor of Public International Law at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Law
- Philip Kleinfeld, Africa Correspondent, The New Humanitarian
…and more speakers to be announced.
Click here to view full speaker’s bios.
Exhibition
In addition to the panel discussion, the conference will have an interactive Exhibition showcasing the humanity in war. This will include art by artists in Ireland, an interactive film, video and photo displays and a virtual reality experience. We hope that throughout the day, the conference and exhibition will create an environment for networking and bringing people together to reflect on the 75 years of the Geneva Conventions and the need for reaffirming commitments to International Humanitarian Law.
This event is kindly sponsored by:
Embassy of Switzerland in Ireland
