The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Foreign Ministers of Norway and Algeria, and the International Peace Institute (IPI) hosted a roundtable discussion at IPI on: “Wars Have Limits: Ensuring Better Respect for the Geneva Conventions 75 Years On.”

This year, the 1949 Geneva Conventions turn 75, marking an important milestone for the treaties that are among the most ratified in the world. While a broad cross section of member states remains committed to upholding international humanitarian law (IHL) in rhetoric, flagrant violations have become increasingly evident, with civilian lives and infrastructure taking the toll.

IPI was honored to welcome the President of the ICRC for a discussion with a cross-regional group of countries represented at the ministerial-level that was moderated by IPI President Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

The closed-door conversation explored new ways to ensure respect for the Geneva Conventions in practice.Participants also discussed ideas for how the international community can work better together to have stronger, more effective protective interpretations of IHL, which will ultimately reduce the cost and trauma of war and contribute to the creation of lasting peace.