Geneva: In his capacity as Chair of the African Group in Geneva, Sudan’s Permanent Representative to UN Geneva, Ambassador Hassan Hamid Hassan chaired a meeting of African ambassadors with Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
According to Sudan News Agency, Ambassador Hassan, speaking on behalf of the African Group, emphasized the challenges confronting international humanitarian law due to multiple armed conflicts in Africa. He pointed out the increasing non-compliance with the law’s principles, particularly concerning civilian protection. This protection is crucial both on the ground and in ensuring a secure environment for civilians during and after conflicts.
Ms. Spoljaric, the ICRC President, informed the meeting about a global initiative designed to bolster political commitment to international humanitarian law. She highlighted that the widespread and complex nature of armed conflicts worldwide, along with inadequate compliance, has led the ICRC to initiate this effort. The initiative has already garnered support from numerous states, and she detailed its key components to the attendees.
During the meeting, African ambassadors engaged actively, making interventions and posing questions to further explore the issues at hand.