He made the remarks at a symposium commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, held on the theme: “Challenges and Dilemmas in the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).”
The event, organized in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy, brought together diplomats, academics, defense officials, and representatives from humanitarian organizations to assess the relevance and enforcement of the Geneva Conventions in the face of evolving warfare dynamics.
The Geneva Conventions, first adopted in 1949, codified the fundamental principles of IHL, including the protection of non-combatants, the humane treatment of prisoners of war, and the prohibition of torture.
Despite widespread ratification, violations persist, underscoring the need for robust accountability and enforcement measures.
Maj. Gen. Gyane praised the Geneva Conventions as a cornerstone of international law that had safeguarded millions of lives since their adoption in 1949.
However, he acknowledged that the challenges of contemporary armed conflicts, including asymmetric warfare and the involvement of non-state actors, had made compliance and enforcement increasingly difficult.
“The changing nature and complexity of conflicts have rendered the protection of civilians more difficult,” he noted.
“Attacks on civilian populations, displacement, and environmental challenges are all influencing the nature of modern warfare, raising questions about the adaptability of the Geneva Conventions to contemporary conflicts,” the Commandant said.
Maj. Gen. Gyane emphasized the need for states to strengthen international cooperation to enhance accountability and enforcement mechanisms, noting that impunity for war crimes remained a significant obstacle.
The KAIPTC Commandant reiterated the need for a united global front in ensuring adherence to the IHL, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and upholding human dignity in conflict zones.
“We must aim for a world where compliance with humanitarian law is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative,” he urged.
Swiss Ambassador Simone Giger, speaking at the symposium, underscored Switzerland’s enduring commitment to the Geneva Conventions, and that the first Geneva Convention of 1864, governing the sick and wounded members of armed forces, was drafted at the initiative of the Swiss government.
Highlighting Switzerland’s role as the depositary of the conventions, she revealed that the Swiss government would convene a conference of High Contracting Parties in March 2025 to address the implementation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, particularly in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Ambassador Giger expressed concern over the rising number of conflict-related fatalities, citing data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
She noted that global conflict-related deaths increased from 153,000 in 2022 to over 170,000 in 2023, with civilians — especially women and children — bearing the brunt of the violence.
“Violations of IHL are not signs of the futility of these legal rules but reflect the actions of parties who choose to trample on agreed norms. These acts must not go unpunished, as they undermine justice and jeopardize reconciliation,” she remarked
The symposium also featured a panel discussion, which explored the successes and challenges of the Geneva Conventions over the past 75 years while examining the impact of emerging technologies, such as autonomous weapons and cyber warfare, on the principles of distinction and proportionality enshrined in IHL.
Security and international law experts who raised concerns about the evolving challenges posed by modern technological advancements, including cyber warfare and drone strikes, to the principles and enforcement of the Geneva Convention, called for updated frameworks to address emerging threats in contemporary conflict settings.
GNA
