The Geneva Conventions which were adopted this month in 1949 are 70 years old. On this anniversary, it is essential to highlight their achievements over the decades thanks to these fundamental texts.
These conventions, universally ratified are the expression of a global commitment in the service of a common humanity.
In addition, since 1949, they have supported the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and many other humanitarian organisations to assist and protect victims of armed conflict in a neutral and impartial manner. In many countries torn apart by war, the Geneva Conventions have often decisively contributed to preserve humanity in the midst of horror.
As a nation, Thailand has long supported the tenets of the Geneva Conventions. During the reign of King Rama V, Siam, as Thailand was known back then, accepted and adopted the principles of the First Geneva Convention of 1864.
These humanitarian ideals were further reinforced with the country's ratification of the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armies in the Field of 1906 and the Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of 1929.
In the aftermath of World War II, when many atrocities were committed, especially against the civilian population, the international community felt the urgency to adopt new rules to extend international humanitarian law's (IHL) protective character to civilians.
Thailand, as the country came to be known, had also suffered the consequences of the greatest global armed conflict of the era. In the years that followed, Thailand continued to stand for humanity in the midst of armed conflict, in effect, support for the values of the Geneva Conventions.
In 1954, to both reaffirm its faith in humanitarian ideals, and to build on the foundational work initiated by the Convention of 1864, Thailand ratified the four Geneva Conventions of 1949.
This task of reworking the existing conventions, promoted by the Red Cross Movement in the 1930s, culminated on Aug 12, 1949: Many states convened in Geneva at the invitation of the Swiss government to adopt 429 articles, written largely with the support of the lawyers of the ICRC. Even today, the Geneva Conventions represent one of the greatest achievements of inter-state cooperation.
By adopting the Geneva Conventions in 1949, even before the wars of decolonisation and the proliferation of civil wars, states had provided that a minimum set of rules remained applicable in these conflicts as well. Nevertheless, it was necessary to refine and reinforce the rules for the protection and conduct of hostilities. This was done with the adoption of the two additional protocols of 1977.
IHL primarily establishes realistic rules, striking the right balance between military necessity and humanitarian considerations. If belligerents continue their operations, they must avoid civilian casualties as far as possible; therefore, it is absolutely forbidden to target the civilian population intentionally, as well as those who do not fight anymore. Specifically, killing a soldier who surrenders, bombing a hospital, torturing prisoners or denying care to wounded or sick people are all examples of unacceptable violations of the law.
In these times of increasing polarisation, where the enemy is demonised and dehumanised, where one hears advocates for extreme solutions, this body of law remains more necessary than ever.
Some quarters speak about the lack of respect for the Geneva Conventions, denouncing the gap between their noble promises and the reality on the ground. Across battlefields, all over the world, it is impossible to count the violations and quantify the suffering. However, should we simply ignore the highway code because there are too many deaths and injuries at the wheel?
Others even suggest that IHL should no longer apply because it would prove impossible to avoid violations. The answer is very clear: when a commander suspends a military operation because collateral civilian casualties are considered too important, it is a success of IHL. When a hospital continues to operate on a front line, this is IHL in action. All these victories do not necessarily make the front page of the news but they reinforce our humanitarian determination to work for continued respect to impose limits in war.
Great challenges await us: The proliferation of increasingly radical armed groups, or the arrival of autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence on the battlefield are just two recent examples of an equation with multiple unknowns. One thing is certain: though conflicts may evolve, the essential principles contained in IHL remain applicable today and tomorrow.
It is primarily the responsibility of all states to respect and ensure respect for the Geneva Conventions in all circumstances. Today, we want the strength of multilateralism that was at work in 1949 to continue inspiring state leaders around the world to support further the development and implementation of IHL and ensure a future where the humanitarian principles of the Geneva Conventions continue to protect humanity during the worst of times.
Christoph Sutter is head of Regional Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).