KAIPTC, Swiss Embassy commemorate 75th anniversary of Geneva Convention

THE Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy in Ghana has held a symposium to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Convention.

The Fourth Geneva Convention was adopted on August 12, 1949 as a codified international legal standard to set limits to war and protect its victims.  

The symposium, held at the Centre in Teshie-Accra last Thursday, was on the theme: “Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions: Challenges and Dilemmas in the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law “(IHL). 

It aimed at highlighting the relevance of the IHL in contemporary times and to discuss means by which its respect and improvement can be improved upon. 

It was also to assess how the treaties continue to serve as a cornerstone of IHL; as well as make recommendations for strengthening enforcement mechanisms, increasing awareness and adherence among state and non-state actors.    

The event was graced by high profile diplomats, security personnel, academicians and the media. They include; the Commandant of the KAIPTC, Major General Richard Addo-Gyane; the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger; a Senior Lecturer at the Lancaster University, Victor Brobbey.

Other were International Law Expert from the University of Ferrara in Italy, Professor Alessandra Annoni; Regional Legal Adviser of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Lou Salome Sorlin, and a Deputy Director General of Legal Services in the Ghana Armed Forces, Colonel Felix Korbieh. 

Scope

Universally ratified, together with Additional Protocols, they establish minimum humanitarian standards to be respected in all armed conflicts. 
Additional Protocols adopted in 1977 and 2005 aimed at regulating international and non-international armed conflicts, and protecting distinctive emblems complemented the important role of the Conventions.

The Gevena Conventions emphasised “the treatment of wounded and sick soldiers on land and at sea; humane treatment of prisoners of war and the protection of civilians, including those in territories during war time”.

Rationale, commitment

In her address, the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana underscored the relevance of IHL stating that, “by seeking to limit the disastrous effects of armed conflict, IHL remains a precious tool to preserve lives and alleviate suffering, but also to facilitate the eventual return to peace”.

Ms Giger said with the world marked by conflicts that were causing immense suffering, respect for IHL and setting limits to the conduct of war must be a political priority. 

She emphasised that respect for IHL was ultimately in everyone's interest; hence, must continue to represent the unique and universal commitment of states to a common humanity.

She urged states and non-state actors to continue to take the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions as opportunity to take concrete steps to renew their commitment to ensure respect under all circumstances for IHL.