Foreign Ministry, International Committee of the Red Cross hold regional event on international humanitarian law

Foreign Ministry, International Committee of the Red Cross hold regional event on international humanitarian law

• The aim of the meeting is to exchange perspectives on the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, to be held in October.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is hosting the Regional Conference of the Americas: 75th Anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and preparations for the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent from July 4-5. The symposium was organized jointly with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to bring together representatives from more than 15 countries in the region, in addition to Red Cross and ICRC personnel.

The purpose of the meeting is to exchange perspectives on two important events on the international humanitarian agenda: the 75th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, to be held in October in Geneva, Switzerland.

The inauguration was attended by Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights Joel Hernández García; Olivier Dubois, head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for Mexico and Central America; Carlos Freaner Figuero, President of the Mexican Red Cross; and Cordula Droege, head of the ICRC Legal Division.

In his remarks, Undersecretary Joel Hernández said, "This year marks 75 years since the world witnessed the adoption of the Geneva Conventions. This is a historic milestone that has made it possible to build the basic rules (...) that give States very clear obligations to safeguard countless lives and to establish fundamental rules for the protection of victims in armed conflicts. These conventions represent the pillar of international humanitarian law and reflect the hope of humanity in the midst of adversity and war."

He stressed the importance of commissions that develop and implement international humanitarian law at the national level, and reiterated that the upcoming International Conference is an ideal opportunity for international dialogue and cooperation.

"The 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent will take place in an adverse international context. Therefore, it is up to us to take advantage of this conference to evaluate and rethink our strategies and actions to face today's humanitarian challenges," he said.

Olivier Dubois noted that "International humanitarian law was not created to justify death, endless suffering and destruction; its main goal is to protect life and ensure respect for human beings even during armed conflicts. This is something we must promote, defend and carry as our banner; people trapped in armed conflicts need actions, not words."

The 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions is an opportunity for States to reflect on the role they have played in history, their importance in today's armed conflicts and the importance of their unrestricted compliance by all parties involved in conflicts.

The Regional Conference is an opportunity for the nations of the Americas to engage in dialogue on issues to be addressed at the International Conference, which brings together governments and international organizations from around the world and is important for defining the humanitarian agenda of States, national Red Cross societies and the ICRC in the future.

On behalf of the Government of Mexico, the Foreign Ministry reaffirms its commitment to ensuring compliance with the instruments of international humanitarian law.