Second report on international humanitarian law : Switzerland leads the way

As the Geneva Conventions mark their 75th anniversary this year, Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to advancing the implementation of IHL at national level through the adoption of its second voluntary report. This report analyses developments on Switzerland's implementation of international humanitarian law, identifies new challenges – particularly in the digital space – and proposes pragmatic measures. It also takes into account Switzerland's experience in the UN Security Council. The report also reflects recent developments in international humanitarian law (legislative changes, changes in national practices, new strategies) and covers topical issues such as humanitarian exemptions and new technologies. This approach is also intended to encourage other states to follow suit.

The voluntary report also provides the Interdepartmental Committee for International Humanitarian Law with a blueprint for an action plan outlining concrete measures to bolster efforts in support of international humanitarian law. It envisages, for example, that Switzerland will help clarify the application of IHL to new technologies, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. 

The voluntary report: a dynamic process oriented towards shared solutions

In 2019, at the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva, the national implementation of IHL was defined as a priority. The following year, the Federal Council published its own report, among the first in the world. Today, when the greatest challenge facing IHL is compliance, the dissemination and implementation of these rules is all the more important. To prevent violations of IHL, it is essential that states establish a culture of strict compliance with these rules well before a conflict breaks out. This second voluntary Swiss report is in line with this approach. 

The voluntary report assesses practices and key challenges, and fosters exchanges between states on best practice and measures needed to improve compliance. In the preface to Switzerland's second voluntary report, Mr Cassis states: "We encourage states to undertake similar initiatives, thereby facilitating a fruitful exchange on the implementation of international humanitarian law. Together, we can identify common solutions to overcome current and future challenges, ensuring that international humanitarian law continues to serve as a beacon of protection in the darkest of times." 

International humanitarian law must be elevated to the status of a political priority

In the current international context, marked by an increase in armed conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East, respect for and implementation of IHL is a priority. 

The adoption of this second voluntary report coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. Throughout this commemorative year, Switzerland has emphasised that the conventions continue to save millions of lives and that adherence to them serves everyone's interests, as IHL facilitates the restoration of peace. The numerous violations of IHL we witness do not indicate ineffective rules; rather, they highlight the human weaknesses in implementing them. Speaking at the Maison de la paix to mark this anniversary on 26 August 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis stressed, "Respect for international humanitarian law must be elevated to the status of a political priority. The Geneva Conventions are among the few international treaties to have been universally ratified. They are the fruit of the political will of all states. We need to rekindle that will!" 

Guaranteeing a minimum of humanity in conflicts

IHL aims to protect lives, alleviate suffering and preserve a minimum level of humanity in times of conflict. Based on the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, IHL is a foreign policy priority for Switzerland, which, by virtue of its neutrality and its role as the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions, maintains a special relationship with these rules. International humanitarian law continues to save millions of lives. However, there are still many violations, with serious humanitarian consequences. In this context, the voluntary report is an important step contributing to better protection for the victims of armed conflict.