Welcome Statement by His Excellency Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone at the Panel Discussion Organized by Switzerland and Sierra Leone on the Occasion of Security Council Members Visit to Geneva
Excellency, Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Esteemed Colleague Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland,
Excellency Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
Excellencies, Representatives to the United Nations Security Council,
Esteemed Panelists,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the co-hosts, the Governments of Sierra Leone and Switzerland, it is my distinct honour to extend a warm welcome to all of you as we gather here to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. This great city, the birthplace of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the League of Nations and the Geneva Conventions is truly the home of multilateralism. I feel deeply privileged to co-host this most important comm3moratoon with our great partner, Switzerland.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, allow me a moment to reflect upon why it is most gratifying for me personally and for my country to be co-hosting this event. In the 1990’s, Sierra Leone went through a horrendous Civil War during which most of the cardinal principles of the Geneva Conventions were violated. However and this is very important, throughout that Conflict we were kept constantly reminded that those principles matter. And the most important driving force behind the establishment of the Geneva Conventions, the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC was constantly supporting the victims of those violations, providing mitigating measures and alleviating our great suffering. I stand here today as a former child soldier, forcefully recruited during the war before I was fully a teenager. I need not dwell upon the trauma of those years. But I do need to acknowledge here today in this birthplace of modern global humanitarianism that it was the ICRC which profoundly helped me to recover, through several critical interventions, both psychological and practical, from the trauma of my war experience and to ve reabsorption into normal society. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without that critical support. For that, I am eternally grateful to the ICRC. There are thousands of my compatriot who received similar support from this indispensable organization. And that I can stand here today as Ministerial of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is a testament both to the salutary effects of humanitarianism and to the hreat need for multilateral Cooperation in all spheres of life, particularly in respect of our fidelity the Geneva Conventions.
Our President, His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone recently said at the launch of the Sierra Leone Peace Exhibition at the United Nations, “Sierra Leone has been to hell and back”. The statement was not histrionic: it was deeply felt and visceral. He had in mind the recent history of our entire country, of the ruined lives if hundreds of thousands of our compatriots.
This momentous occasion serves as a profound reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold the principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). As we pay tribute to the adoption of these pivotal Conventions, we acknowledge their enduring significance and the imperative of upholding the principles they espouse.
The Geneva Conventions have stood the test of time, guiding us through decades of conflict and turmoil, offering a beacon of hope and protection to those caught in the crossfire of war. Today, as we reflect on the journey thus far, we must also renew our commitment to these foundational principles that safeguard human dignity in times of armed conflict.
Nevertheless, through resilience, reconciliation, and a steadfast commitment to justice and peace, we have emerged stronger. It is this experience that drives our dedication to the Geneva Conventions and to ensuring that IHL is respected and upheld, not just in Sierra Leone but across the globe.
Yet, despite the progress we have made, we cannot ignore the troubling reality of our current global landscape. Conflicts rage on in various parts of the world, bringing with them immense suffering and a blatant disregard for IHL.
We witness, with deep concern, the increasing attacks on civilians, the targeting of humanitarian personnel, healthcare facilities, and the denial of humanitarian aid to those in desperate need. These violations are not just breaches of law; they are assaults on the very essence of our shared humanity.
In this context, the principles of the Geneva Conventions have never been more relevant. We must ask ourselves: How can we better ensure compliance with these principles? How can we hold those who violate them accountable? And how can we, as a global community, reinforce the norms that protect the innocent in times of conflict?
Given these important questions and the imperative for leadership, we commend Switzerland for the leadership in the adoption of Security Council resolution 2730 (2024), which calls on States to respect and protect United Nations and humanitarian personnel in accordance with their obligations under international law.
With our experience, it must be more than happenchance for us to co-host this event with Switzerland, a nation that has long been a guardian of the Geneva Conventions and a champion of peace and humanitarian principles, and home of the ICRC.
In the monthly briefing on the Middle East Palestine Question held on 22 August at the Security Council, Sierra Leone recalled the statement of the ICRC noting that: “The 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions – the cornerstone of the International humanitarian law – reminds us of the world’s agreement that wars must have limits and that, regardless of the circumstances, respect for human dignity and compassion must always guide our actions.”
Excellencies,
Grave violations and non-compliance with the principles of IHL which ultimately result in untold suffering for millions of men, women and children all over the world, do not happen in isolation; rather they are often preceded by blatant disregard for the established principles and practices of the Geneva Conventions.
Accordingly, and together, we stand united in our resolve to strengthen the framework of IHL, ensuring it remains relevant and effective in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
For the representatives of the esteemed members of the Security Council, in recognition of your responsibility to maintain international peace and security, your presence underscores the importance your accord to the Geneva Conventions and of multilateral cooperation in upholding the rule of law and protecting the most vulnerable in times of conflict.
Improving compliance with the Conventions and addressing violations of IHL requires purposeful and coordinated efforts from States, international organizations and civil society groups working together towards that singular purpose at national, regional and international levels.
On this anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, it is crucial to reflect on the role of international law in regulating armed conflict and States adherence to IHL principles.
Considering the evolving nature of armed conflicts around the world, we must prioritize the protection of victims and enhance the enforcement of IHL at all levels. This includes strengthening existing international humanitarian law frameworks and ensuring widespread knowledge and compliance through various peacekeeping, peacebuilding and state building mechanisms.
As we embark on this 75th anniversary commemoration, let us renew our commitment to the Geneva Conventions. Let us pledge to strengthen our efforts to protect civilians, respect the rights of prisoners of war, and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. The principles enshrined in the Geneva Conventions are not merely legal obligations; they are moral imperatives that reflect our shared humanity.
In closing, Excellencies, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all participants, the members of the Security Council here present, the ICRC, our esteemed panelists, and humanitarian personnel for the unwavering commitment to IHL. May our discussions here today inspire renewed action and cooperation in the pursuit of peace, justice, and human dignity for all.
I thank you.
