On the Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions: A Reminder to Adhere to International Rules in the Face of War and Conflict
The Geneva Conventions, signed on August 12, 1949, have stood for decades as a symbol of the protection of humanity—even in the darkest hours of human history. They are the common foundation upon which the international community has built the edifice of humanitarian law. On the occasion of this special and significant anniversary, it is crucial to recall the importance of these conventions and to emphatically demand their adherence in today’s conflict-ridden world.
The Geneva Conventions were a response to the unspeakable suffering endured by millions during World War II. They enshrined fundamental principles of humanitarian protection: the protection of civilians, the treatment of prisoners of war and the wounded, as well as the protection of hospitals and medical personnel. These principles are not only a legal obligation but also a civilizational achievement that reflects humanity’s awareness of the inviolability of human life.
Today, more than 70 years after their signing, we are once again confronted with growing conflicts that threaten to exceed the limits of humanity.
The likely genocide in the Gaza Strip. The violent acts of Hamas. Russia’s illegal attempt to redraw Europe’s borders. The renewed attempt at genocide in Sudan. The deadly war in the Congo.
Ukraine and Palestine (Gaza and the occupied West Bank) are tragic examples of how vital the Geneva Conventions and the entire framework of humanitarian law remain. In both conflicts, civilians are the primary victims. Almost daily, we receive stories and reports of the devastating effects of armed conflicts on innocent men, women, and children trapped in the world’s conflict zones.
In the Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, the effects of violence are particularly devastating. More than half of the housing in Gaza has been destroyed, and more than a million internally displaced people are trying to seek safety from IDF military strikes. Despite this, civilian facilities such as hospitals and schools have been repeatedly attacked, despite the clear provisions of the Geneva Conventions to protect them. The consequences of these violations are tragic: lives are lost, families are torn apart, and entire generations suffer from the trauma.
The war in Ukraine also brings to light the horrors that arise when the rules of international law are ignored. Attacks on civilian infrastructure, the forced displacement of civilians, and the use of weapons that cause disproportionate damage are just some examples of violations of the principles of the Geneva Conventions. This conflict clearly shows that the protection of civilians and the preservation of human rights must never be negotiable.
The Geneva Conventions and the supplementary protocols serve as a moral and legal compass in a world that is all too often plagued by violence and conflict. They remind us that even in war, there are limits that must not be crossed. These rules are not only a sign of civilization but also a necessity for the survival and dignity of humanity.
It is the duty of all states and actors to respect and defend these rules. Adherence to humanitarian law is not an option but an obligation we all share—an obligation to the victims of war and violence, but also to future generations who deserve to live in a more peaceful and just world.
On the anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Conventions, we should not only recall the historical achievements but also recognize the challenges that lie ahead. In a time when conflicts are becoming increasingly complex and brutal, we must remember that adherence to international law is the only way to preserve the fundamental values of our shared humanity.
Germany and Europe too often become perpetrators and accomplices in the violation of humanitarian law. From arms deliveries and diplomatic protection for Israeli war crimes to the so-called „border protection“ in which people are abandoned at sea, left to die of thirst in the desert, and dictatorial regimes are financed. Adherence to international law and universal human rights should be the raison d’état of Germany.
May the Geneva Conventions continue to serve as a beacon of humanity, reminding us all that the protection of life and human dignity is inviolable even in war. The world owes it to the victims and survivors that these rules are never forgotten or ignored.