INFORMAL INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE ON “PRESERVING HUMAN DIGNITY IN ARMED CONFLICT: PROMOTING COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW”
STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR JAMES LARSEN, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF AUSTRALIA
28 JANUARY 2025
Thank you very much indeed moderator, and thank you for bringing us together for this exceptionally important dialouge.
International humanitarian law is the foundation for alleviating human suffering in wars.
It limits the effects of armed conflict and regulates the conduct of hostilities.
It provides for the protection of civilians, including humanitarian personnel.
It requires the humane treatment of civilian detainees and prisoners of war.
But respect for international humanitarian law is being severely undermined, with consequences for current and future conflicts, and those suffering under them.
Colleagues,
This is why Australia has joined ICRC’s Global Initiative on international humanitarian law.
Now is a critical time for member states to reaffirm their commitment to promoting compliance with international humanitarian law, and for ICRC to bring its technical expertise to bear to reinforce IHL norms and principles. We need to take robust action to prevent violations of international humanitarian law and to preserve human dignity in armed conflict by limiting the devastating impact that conflict has on civilians.
Colleagues,
At least 344 humanitarian workers were killed in 2024, the highest annual toll on record. Almost 97 per cent were local or national staff.
The growing number of fatalities and incidents involving humanitarian personnel must be reversed.
Colleagues,
In September 2024, Australia’s Foreign Minister convened a new Ministerial Group [consisting of Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the UK] dedicated to upholding and championing international humanitarian law and driving action to protect humanitarian workers, including local and national staff in conflict zones.
The Ministerial Group is working towards a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
We want to galvanise international commitment for the protection of humanitarian workers who dedicate their lives, in the toughest of circumstances, to protecting civilians, alleviating human suffering and delivering lifesaving support.
Seizing the momentum created by the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2730, we will stand together to strengthen international commitment and translate it into action.
Humanitarian personnel are dedicated to improving the lives of others. This should never cost them their own.
Our efforts to drive action through a Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel reflects Australia’s deep commitment to promoting compliance with international humanitarian law, and determination to provide a meaningful contribution to ICRC’s Global Initiative on IHL.
In closing, Australia’s Foreign Minister was pleased to convey our support for the initiative to the ICRC President in Geneva last week.
We look forward to this unique opportunity to work together to strengthen respect for international humanitarian law and preserve human dignity in armed conflict.
Thank you.