In her speech at the Human Rights Council, Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the ICRC, decried the disturbing normalisation of violence in contemporary conflicts. “Every patient killed in a hospital bed, every family buried under rubble, every hostage taken from loved ones, and every tortured prisoner is not just a statistic; they represent a profound betrayal of our shared humanity.” She emphasised that these tragedies highlight potential risks in our complacency about warfare, urging immediate action to address these issues.
Spoljaric underscored that the tragedies we witness in war are not an unavoidable reality but rather a consequence of dismissive interpretations of international humanitarian law. The interconnectedness of international humanitarian law and human rights law is crucial; their mutual reinforcement protects basic rights, health, and dignity. She posed critical questions: “How can health rights be fulfilled if hospitals are bombed? How can the right to food be guaranteed if crops are destroyed?” The systematic targeting of civilians erodes the very foundation of the right to life.
Spoljaric urged a collective commitment to humanitarian law, asserting that the conduct of wars today will shape future conflicts. The need for a political prioritisation of international humanitarian law is paramount to fostering stability and rebuilding communities. Collaborating with states such as Brazil, China, France, and South Africa, the ICRC has initiated a global effort to rekindle political dedication to these laws, aspiring for broader support.
The current political landscape pressures humanitarian organisations to take sides; however, Spoljaric insisted that the ICRC must maintain its neutrality to assist all victims of conflict. “If we did, we would lose our ability to help people on all sides in the world’s most contentious theatres of armed conflict.” Upholding strict impartiality and confidentiality is vital to preserving the ICRC’s role in promoting humanity amidst division.
In conclusion, Spoljaric’s call to action reminds us that human life must transcend political divides. The ICRC’s commitment to neutrality is essential for providing assistance to all affected by conflict, reinforcing that our shared humanity must prevail over political agendas to protect lives, health, and dignity across the globe.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric addressed the Human Rights Council, decrying the normalisation of violence in conflict. She argued that the suffering of civilians stems from a disregard for international humanitarian law and stressed the essential role of neutrality in humanitarian efforts. Through collaboration with key nations, the ICRC aims to renew global commitment to protecting human dignity. The call to prioritise human life above political agendas is crucial in these uncertain times.
In her compelling address, Spoljaric highlights the urgent need for renewed commitment to international humanitarian law amidst escalating violence and suffering. By underscoring the inseparable links between humanitarian and human rights laws, she advocates for a collective movement towards protecting human dignity in conflict. Maintaining neutrality and impartiality is paramount for the ICRC to fulfil its humanitarian mission in a politically charged world. This is a pivotal moment to reinforce our shared humanity, transcending divisions to uphold the sanctity of life.
Original Source: www.icrc.org
