Dhaka Urges Global Commitment to Strengthen Geneva Conventions

Foreign Secretary Md Joshim Uddin

“The path to peace is in our hands. By strengthening our commitment to the Geneva Conventions and IHL, we can shape a future where human rights are upheld, dignity is respected, and peace becomes a lasting reality,” he stated.

Uddin's remarks were delivered at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Dhaka. The event, themed "Preserving Our Shared Humanity: Making International Humanitarian Law a National and International Priority," underscored the enduring relevance of IHL in today’s global landscape.

The Foreign Secretary also highlighted Bangladesh’s achievements in aligning its national frameworks with international humanitarian standards, demonstrating the country’s commitment to upholding IHL in both policy and practice.

“As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, let us remember that the responsibility to protect civilians and ensure humane treatment in times of conflict is shared by all nations. It is time to move beyond mere rhetoric and make IHL a universally honored standard, without exception,” he added.

Uddin also urged the international community to increase efforts toward a sustainable resolution of the Rohingya crisis, stressing the importance of global solidarity and humanitarian intervention.

Agnès Dhur, Head of Delegation for the ICRC in Bangladesh, echoed Uddin’s call, stressing that as armed conflicts and humanitarian crises continue to escalate worldwide, the Geneva Conventions remain a beacon of hope for restraining violence. "If we do not prioritize IHL now, when will we?" she asked, in her inaugural address.

Dhur further emphasized that political will is essential for IHL to be effective, noting, “Without political will, compliance with IHL cannot be ensured, and these vital norms risk remaining nothing more than words on paper.”

The event also featured a thought-provoking discussion on overcoming barriers to the effective implementation of IHL, with academics, policymakers, and humanitarian leaders contributing their insights.

In his keynote address, Professor Nazmuzzaman Bhuiyan of Dhaka University traced the evolution of the Geneva Conventions, illustrating their continued relevance in the face of modern conflicts.

Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli also weighed in, reinforcing that the Geneva Conventions and IHL are more crucial than ever. "Ongoing conflicts and global volatility do not make IHL and the Geneva Conventions obsolete; in fact, they are even more relevant today than before,” he said.

The event concluded with a visit to a photo exhibition that highlighted the historical significance of the Geneva Conventions and the ICRC's work in Bangladesh, offering a visual reflection of the enduring importance of international humanitarian law.