Mr. Secretary-General [Deputy Secretary-General],
Mr. President of the ICRC,
Fellow Ministers and Representatives of the Governments,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The humanitarian needs have never been so high since the end of the Second World War.

The armed conflicts in Syria and Iraq have led to unspeakable human suffering, destruction and loss.

The conflicts in the Central African Republic have ravaged a war-torn region where millions are at continuous risk of famine and starvation.

In some countries at war, life expectancy has been dramatically reduced by 10 or 20 years.

Entire generations of children are deprived of regular access to schooling and threatened with illiteracy.

60 million people are displaced in our world, 8 times the population of Switzerland.

International Humanitarian Assistance has never been under such a pressure. And this is not because of natural catastrophes but because of human decisions.

We shall remember: this human tragedy is not a fatality. Much of the suffering could be avoided if warring parties showed better respect for the basic principle of humanity. The principles established more than 150 years ago in the first Geneva Convention.

Ladies and Gentleman,

70 years ago, the founders of the United Nations were eager to learn the lessons of the Second World War. They established a new system of collective security and placed “the dignity and worth of the human person” at the core of the new World organisation’s attention.

After so many atrocities committed during the war, there was also a strong will to tighten up the rules of international law applicable in armed conflict.

The previous generations gave us an immense lesson in courage and humanity. At the end of the Second World War, they had many reasons to be tempted to discouragement or cynicism. But despite all the atrocities and the remaining sorrow, they were eager to take action and adopted in 1949 the new Geneva Conventions – to uphold humanity even in times of war.

Today, consensus around the humanitarian principles and rules seems to be eroding. There are new disturbing developments. And While Nazi criminals tried to hide their crimes, groups such as the so-called Islamic State stage the violations of IHL and exhibit them for propaganda purposes!

We must not play into the hands of those who disdain the principle of humanity and question its universal value. We must remind that there are almost two hundred States Parties to the Geneva Conventions. No other multilateral convention enjoys a broader acceptance. The Geneva Conventions truly enshrine values that are shared by all, universal values.

The principle of humanity is universal in origin, with secular and religious roots everywhere.

The major philosophical and religious traditions of our world contain a commitment to humanity In every era and in every civilisation, religious leaders, statesmen and women, military leaders and visionary thinkers have sought to limit the brutality of war.

Ladies and Gentleman,

In December 2011 the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent met in Geneva. The Conference invited the ICRC and Switzerland to address the challenge of the lack of compliance with International humanitarian Law and to encourage a dialogue between States in this regard. We took care to consult all States in a bid to secure the broadest possible support.

One of the essential points that emerged from the consultations is the recognition that the Geneva Conventions lack an institutional forum. States should be able to discuss the application of the provisions of the Conventions and how compliance can be strengthened.

A broad cross-regional majority of States expressed its support for the establishment of a regular Meeting of States on International Humanitarian Law. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols deserve a specific forum which gives them all the due attention.

How would we benefit from such a forum?  In many ways:

– Its main purpose would be to foster dialogue and cooperation among States. States will discuss on ways of strengthening respect for Humanitarian Law.

– They will debate on how to promote awareness of this law, both at the domestic and international level.

– The forum would allow States to examine challenges in the application of IHL too, as well as exchange on practical experiences and best practices.

– It would also contribute to capacity-building.

– Finally by regularly uniting the government experts in charge of humanitarian law, it would help to strengthen contacts between experts and encourage partnerships.

The Meeting of States would not involve the examination of specific situations, but focus on common issues and challenges, so as to avoid polarization. This new mechanism will not be used to point an accusing finger at anyone. It will aim to facilitate implementation and create an environment that encourages greater respect for humanitarian law.

In June, the ICRC, in conjunction with Switzerland, submitted a Concluding Report on our work with concrete proposals.

We strongly hope that the next International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in December 2015 will take action and pave the way for the establishment of a Meeting of States on IHL. It is no longer time for consultations. They have been made. Time has come for decision.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

When we ratified the 1949 Geneva Conventions, we all undertook “to respect and ensure respect for” international humanitarian law in all circumstances.

We all made a solemn commitment to humanity, out of humanity. We must now honour this promise and act to strengthen respect for international humanitarian law.

As States Parties to the Geneva Conventions, we must seize an historic opportunity to establish a forum that demonstrates our commitment to work together for greater protection for the most vulnerable in armed conflicts.

And more generally, opinion leaders of each and every sector should rally and speak out in favour of the basic humanitarian principles. We must unite to reaffirm the universal nature of the principle of humanity and the rules it inspires.

As the country where the idea of the Red Cross was born , and as depositary of the Geneva Convention, Switzerland commits to do so. We strongly hope that every State Party will also do so. Because it is our common responsibility.

Résumé des messages principaux:
– Le monde travers la pire crise humanitaire depuis la seconde guerre mondiale, notamment par manquer de respect des principes des conventions de GE
– La conférence de la croix-rouge et du croissant-rouge avait mandaté la Suisse et le CICR à mener des consultations pour trouver le moyen de renforcer le respect du DIH. Ces consultations ont eu lieu il est temps de décider
– Le Forum des Etats sera un lieu pour échanger, identifier les défis et les bonnes pratiques, développer des partenariats et du capacity building.
– Il est temps de décider car nous le devons aux engagement que nous avons pris en 1949 en ratifiant les conventions de Genève qui nous obligent solennellement tous à respecter et faire respecter le DIH
– En tant que dépositaire et lieu ou la croix-rouge et les Conventions de Genève sont nées, la Suisse s’engagera en ce sens et elle invite tous les Etats parties à faire de même.

Addressing conflicts and fighting terrorism to advance security

Journalists are threatend by states and criminal organisations

More dialogue across the Mediterranean and in the Middle East

Ensuring better respect for International Humanitarian Law

Preventing violent extremism – a major foreign policy task for us

Investing In Fragile Environments: The Role of the Private Sector