On Monday, 30 September 2024, the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS), in cooperation with the Embassy of Switzerland in Qatar, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), held a panel discussion to mark the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. The event took place at the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies in Doha and discussed the enduring significance of the Geneva Conventions and explored contemporary challenges and opportunities in their implementation.
The panel was inaugurated by Dr Ghassan Elkahlout, Director of CHS. Dr Elkahlout highlighted the alarming increase in deliberate violations of the Geneva Conventions over the past year, which have severely impacted civilians and hindered their access to humanitarian aid. He emphasised the commitment of CHS to exploring alternative methods to promote International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.
In her remarks, Her Excellency Mrs Florence Tinguely Mattli, Ambassador of Switzerland to Qatar, highlighted the unacceptable daily violations of the Geneva Conventions in more than 120 conflicts worldwide. Mrs Tinguely Mattli emphasised the critical importance of commitment to humanitarian principles and IHL, affirming that respecting these rules is every State's responsibility. Her Excellency warned that the failure to uphold these principles leads to increased violence and human tragedies and noted that over the past 75 years the Geneva Conventions have saved, and continue to save, millions of civilians' lives.
Following the opening remarks, the panel discussion commenced with insights from Dr Andrew Clapham, Professor of International Law at the Geneva Graduate Institute. He asserted that the issue lies not in the texts of the Conventions but in the respect and enforcement of these Conventions during conflicts. Dr Clapham highlighted the reverberating effects of attacking civilians and civilian objects such as hospitals, urging the public to consider not only the immediate consequences of such attacks but also the long-term impact, such as denying an entire community access to health services. Additionally, he emphasised the need to prevent the flow of arms and ammunition into war zones, prosecute those involved in arms transfers, and hold them accountable for the crimes that they commit.
In his turn, Dr Omar Mekky, Regional International Humanitarian Law Coordinator at the ICRC, highlighted the ongoing challenges to upholding IHL and humanitarian principles in contemporary conflicts starting with the use of excessive force under the justification of self-defence and the increasingly complex nature of conflicts, which complicates the application of IHL. Dr Mekky also pointed out the difficulties in implementing the principle of proportionality, as the distinction between military and civilian targets has become increasingly blurred. Furthermore, the growing involvement of non-state armed groups and the evolving nature of warfare, including the use of AI-driven technologies and drones, add to the challenges in ensuring accountability. Finally, he highlighted the crucial role of international institutions and the need for stronger national legal frameworks to support the application of IHL and ensure civilian protection.
Dr Ayah Randall, Assistant Professor at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, highlighted the crucial role NGOs can play in promoting respect for IHL and humanitarian principles. Dr Randall stated that NGOs are well-suited to navigate the complexities of contemporary conflicts because they face fewer bureaucratic barriers compared to government institutions. They can provide legal support to victims, report war crimes, advocate for justice, and pressure states and courts to prosecute war criminals. She also emphasised the importance of training NGO personnel in IHL and International Human Rights Law, enabling them to address legal and humanitarian dilemmas in the most principled manner.
The concluding remarks were given by Mr Faisal Mohamed Al-Emadi, the Secretary General of Qatar Red Crescent Society. Mr Al-Emadi affirmed that IHL and humanitarian principles, despite the challenges and violations, remain the bedrock of the QRCS's engagement in conflict-affected countries around the world. Similarly, Ms Basma Tabaja, Head of the ICRC delegation in Qatar, encouraged the public to engage in critical thinking when approaching IHL, emphasising that such reflections are essential for its continued evolution. She also highlighted the significant challenges faced by humanitarian workers in navigating the complexities of today's crises, where overlapping conflicts and shifting dynamics make their work increasingly difficult.
After the panel discussion, attendees had the opportunity to explore the photography exhibition, "Dialogues on Humanity" which provides a visual reflection on the core principles of humanitarian action: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Through a series of thought-provoking photographs, the exhibition invites viewers to engage in meaningful dialogues about the evolving landscape of humanitarian challenges. The exhibition will be on display until October 15th on the ground floor of the Cultural Foundation building at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies.