DHAKA, Nov 13, 2024 (BSS)- Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin today urge all nations to show firm commitment towards Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to make a better world on basis of respect, dignity and peace.

“The path to peace lies in our hands. By strengthening our commitment to the Geneva Conventions and IHL, we can create a future where human rights are respected, dignity is upheld, and peace becomes a lasting reality,” he said. 
 
The foreign secretary was speaking at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) arranged the event in the capital under the theme- "Preserving our shared Humanity: Making International Humanitarian Law (IHL) a National and International Priority."

 
The foreign secretary highlighted Bangladesh’s achievements in aligning national frameworks with IHL. 

This milestone anniversary is a reminder that protecting civilians and upholding humane treatment in warfare are responsibilities we all share. Now, we must go beyond rhetoric and ensure that IHL becomes a global standard honoured without exception, he said. 

Jasim called on the international community to step its support and work towards a sustainable solution to the Rohingya Crisis.

As armed conflicts and humanitarian crises intensify globally, the Conventions remain our beacon of hope for restraining violence. If we do not prioritize IHL now, when will we?, Head of Delegation of the ICRC in Bangladesh Agnès Dhur she said in her inaugural speech.

Dhur called on states to reaffirm their commitment to IHL, stressing, “without political will, compliance to IHL cannot be ensured and these norms remain words on paper.”

The participants discussed how Bangladesh and the international community can overcome barriers to IHL implementation. 

In his keynote, Professor Nazmuzzaman Bhuiyan of Dhaka University traced the Conventions' evolution, demonstrating their continued relevance amidst new and complex conflicts.
 
“Ongoing conflicts and global volatility do not render the international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions obsolete; these laws are all the more relevant today than ever before,” said Swiss ambassador RetoRenggli. 
 
Attendees also visited a photo exhibition that highlighted the historical significance of the Geneva Conventions and the ICRC’s work in Bangladesh.