ICRC President Calls on Politicians to Protect Civilians
At the 81st UN General Assembly, ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric highlighted that safeguarding civilians is a duty of political leaders, not the military. She praised partners, stressed the need for collective diplomatic action, and called for a global initiative to enforce the Geneva Conventions.
By Felo News Desk · Published
During a high‑level side event at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric delivered a powerful appeal to world leaders. She argued that the protection of civilians is a responsibility that rests squarely on those who hold political power, not on the armed forces.
Setting the Stage: The ICRC’s Role and the UN Assembly
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has long been a guardian of international humanitarian law (IHL). Its work is guided by the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, which set out the basic rights of civilians and combatants during armed conflict. The event, titled “Humanitarian Diplomacy that Safeguards International Humanitarian Law,” brought together heads of state, diplomats, and representatives from the European Union, African Union, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, and Jordan, among others.
Spoljaric’s Message: Diplomacy Over Warfare
Spoljaric opened by thanking the participating nations for their long‑standing partnership with the ICRC. She highlighted how the Geneva Conventions demonstrate the power of diplomacy: “When states come together and unite around the belief that a human life is a human life – no matter what side of the frontline they live on,” she said, “the law is possible.”
She drew a parallel to the Rome Statutes, noting that they too were the product of diplomatic negotiation and that they aim to prevent suffering and save lives. According to Spoljaric, achieving these goals requires collective commitment from states, not merely the adoption of legal texts.
“There is no military solution to any of today’s world problems,” she asserted. She invoked Clausewitz’s famous line that war is a continuation of politics by other means, warning that today’s conflicts often treat war as a permanent tool for achieving political objectives. She called for a reversal of this trend, urging leaders to unite under the banner of humanity.
Modern Warfare’s Global Reach
Spoljaric noted that contemporary conflicts are no longer confined to frontlines. She referenced the escalating war between Russia and Ukraine, where 275,000 people are now missing, and highlighted the interconnected nature of wars in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. She described how armed groups operate as global organizations, making it impossible to stop a conflict in one place without addressing others.
She emphasized that the responsibility to protect civilians lies with those who hold political power. “The law itself does not carry any weight unless the leaders are willing to implement it,” she said. She urged governments to recognize that the principles enshrined in the Geneva Conventions are already embedded in many national constitutions.
Call to Action: The Global Initiative on IHL
Spoljaric concluded by urging all states to join the Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law. She praised King Abdullah II of Jordan for hosting 118 states in December, inviting them to return to a trajectory where humanity prevails. She urged the international community to move away from war and destruction toward a vision of peace that is urgently needed.
In sum, Spoljaric’s address underscored that protecting civilians is a political duty that requires collective diplomatic effort, not a military solution. Her call to action remains a timely reminder of the importance of upholding humanitarian law in an increasingly interconnected world of conflict.
Why This Matters
Spoljaric’s remarks highlight the critical link between political will and the protection of civilians. Without political commitment, even the most robust legal frameworks fail to prevent suffering.
Key takeaways include the need for collective diplomatic action, the global reach of modern warfare, and the call for a unified global initiative on humanitarian law.
Key facts
- ICRC president urges political leaders to uphold humanitarian law
- Modern conflicts are global, affecting civilians beyond frontlines
- Diplomacy, not military action, is the path to peace
- The Global Initiative on IHL is a proposed collective effort
- King Abdullah II hosts 118 states to promote humanitarian values
Why it matters
Spoljaric’s call underscores that protecting civilians is a political obligation; without state commitment, humanitarian law cannot be enforced, leaving civilians vulnerable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ICRC?
The International Committee of the Red Cross is an independent humanitarian organization that works to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence.
What are the Geneva Conventions?
A set of four treaties adopted in 1949 that establish international legal standards for humanitarian treatment during war.
What is the Global Initiative on IHL?
A proposed collaborative effort to strengthen the implementation of international humanitarian law worldwide.
Why does Spoljaric emphasize politics over military solutions?
She argues that lasting peace and civilian protection depend on political decisions and diplomatic cooperation, not on continued conflict.
Sources
- [1] icrc.org — originally reported as “ICRC president: The responsibility to protect civilians lies with those who hold political power”
