Support for "Global IHL Initiative" to to uphold humanity in war

The Geneva Conventions, signed on 12 August 1949, are considered to have been universally ratified, with 196 signatory states. While the obligations remain, the commitment to upholding them is weakening, with massive consequences for millions of people trapped in conflict worldwide. Currently, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) counts more than 130 active armed conflicts – more than twice as many as 15 years ago. It has observed an increase in violations of international humanitarian law, such as attacks on healthcare facilities. Therefore, the ICRC, together with Brazil, France, China, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa, launched in 2024 a global initiative to galvanise political commitment to International Humanitarian Law and to ensure that the Conventions can continue to fulfil their protective function. The initiative addresses key challenges, including in the areas of new technologies, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, especially hospitals. To date, over 150 states have taken part in global and regional consultations. A progress report containing initial recommendations was also published at the end of 2025. By mid-May 2026, 116 states had joined the initiative, including the six founding members and the 27 co-chairs of the thematic working groups. The initiative will culminate in a high-level conference on Humanity in War with heads of state and government, scheduled for 7 December in Amman (Jordan).