HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS IN ARMED CONFLICTS AS GENEVA CONVENTIONS COMMEMORATED

12 August 1999




United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson called for greater efforts to protect civilians from the effects of armed conflict in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

Noting the acute relevance of the Conventions, elaborated 50 years ago to set limits on the conduct of war and protect civilians, Mrs. Robinson said that traditionally war was fought between states, and 90 per cent of the victims were soldiers. "Today, however, conflict takes place within States, and 90 per cent of the victims are civilians -- unarmed children, women and men, the elderly, the sick, and refugees. The greatest threat to human rights is war, but even war has its rules. It is the responsibility of combatants to do all they can to protect civilians. When they do not they should have to answer for it", she added.

Mrs. Robinson underscored that, rather than writing new laws, what is needed today is to implement what already exists - including the Geneva Conventions.

"We must make concrete progress where it really matters: on the ground", she said, citing as a welcome step the bulletin issued by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and which takes effect today, on the applicability of international humanitarian law to United Nations peacekeeping forces. She called on States to abide strictly by the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and ratify the Statute of the International Criminal Court to allow that tribunal to begin operation. Fifty-six more ratifications are needed before the Statute can enter into force. Only four States have ratified it so far.