Switzerland Urges Recommitment to Geneva Conventions Amid Global Conflicts

Switzerland hosted members of the United Nations Security Council in Geneva to renew commitment to international humanitarian law amid a global context of over 120 armed conflicts. Russia abstained from the meeting. The focus was on commemorating the Geneva Conventions and addressing their current strain due to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Switzerland gathered members of the United Nations Security Council in Geneva on Monday to renew their commitment to international humanitarian law. The 'alarming' global context, marked by over 120 armed conflicts, was central to the discussions.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis made a compelling call to elevate respect for the Geneva Conventions to a top political priority. The session, meant to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, saw attendance from 14 of the 15 U.N. Security Council members. Russia was notably absent, with Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanski dismissing the meeting as a 'waste of time.'

The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric, emphasized that the Geneva Conventions are 'under strain,' citing the ongoing Gaza and Ukraine conflicts. This highlights the necessity for a renewed focus on international humanitarian laws amid escalating tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)