As the 32nd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent gets underway, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Peter Maurer writes in The Guardian on how we can ensure the fundamental values enshrined in the Geneva Conventions are honoured.

An excerpt:

From a humanitarian perspective, it is clear that short-term, band-aid solutions are no longer viable. More is needed. The world community is trying to respond, but is struggling.

This week, a fresh attempt to find answers and plot a way forward will take place in Geneva with a unique gathering of representatives from nearly 200 governments along with members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

This special conference takes place every four years, addressing some of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Migration, sexual violence and attacks on healthcare will be among the topics this year.

But top of the agenda will be one, crucial proposal that aims to address one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of today – how to find ways to strengthen respect for the laws of war.

Read the Full Article in The Guardian

Peter Maurer’s Opening Address at the Red Cross Red Crescent Conference