75th Anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions

Today, August 12th, marks the 75th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which form the foundation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Ratified by nearly every country in the world, the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols establish fundamental norms for the protection of individuals during times of war, with the aim of minimizing human suffering.

As a country committed to the promotion of peace, Brazil has urged all belligerents to apply International Humanitarian Law in good faith, without selective standards of conduct. Brazil strongly condemns the violations of IHL observed in various ongoing armed conflicts, particularly attacks on civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel. Brazil also condemns the unlawful denial of access to humanitarian aid.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay will hold a commemorative seminar on the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions on September 3rd, with the support of the National Commission for the Dissemination and Implementation of International Humanitarian Law.