Summary: 26 September 2009, New York - Intervention by Ambassador Anders Lidén, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations, on behalf of the European Union at the Ministerial Working Session - 60th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions: Intervention on compliance with international humanitarian law
Madam Minster,
Let me first of all thank you and the Swiss Mission for organizing this event.
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the four Geneva Conventions for the protection of those who do not, or no longer, take part in hostilities, the European Union would like to reiterate the importance it attaches to the these Conventions. They are at the heart of international humanitarian law.
The EU welcomes the universal acceptance of the Geneva Conventions of 1949. The EU also welcomes the clear trend towards a similarly wide acceptance of the two Additional Protocols of 1977 as well as the adoption of a third Additional Protocol in 2005.
Madam Minister, is there a better way to mark this Anniversary than by addressing current challenges for international humanitarian law, namely how to enhance compliance - and to discuss what mechanisms are needed to ensure such compliance? This is not a theoretical issue. On the contrary, it is a real challenge facing the international community, including the EU, every day.
Despite the universal acceptance of the norms underlying these instruments, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the consequences of armed conflicts. The need to ensure respect for the law is as important as ever. This requires continuous efforts to mobilise political will, increase awareness of international humanitarian law, and ensure accountability for violations, in particular for acts that amount to war crimes.
The European Union is founded on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. This includes the goal of promoting compliance with international humanitarian law. To this end, the EU adopted Guidelines on International Humanitarian law in December 2005, which set out operational tools for the EU to promote universal compliance with international humanitarian law, including among non-state actors. This year, a process has been
initiated to further improve those Guidelines and their implementation.
With regard to our responsibilities here in the United Nations, we should strive to implement international humanitarian law in our daily work - both in our efforts for peace and security and for development. Each relevant organ bears a responsibility in this regard.
The EU looks forward to the continued discussion on how to improve compliance and welcomes the process launched by the Swiss Government. EU Member States will surely take part in the upcoming expert meeting and any initiatives that follow to assess possible measures within the framework of the Conventions.
Thank you very much, Madam Minister.
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