African governments have been urged to join the Global Initiative to strengthen International Humanitarian Law (IHL), aimed at addressing the growing humanitarian crises caused by modern armed conflicts. 

The appeal was made during a high-level event in Pretoria, hosted by Deputy Minister for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, where Heads of African Diplomatic Missions gathered to discuss the importance of strengthening the IHL.

The event aimed to encourage African Union Member States to participate in the Global Initiative, launched by Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and South Africa, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in September last year. 

Speakers at the event stressed that the primary objective of the initiative is to promote renewed international dialogue and practical cooperation on the IHL in today’s world, marked by numerous conflicts and humanitarian crises. 

Botes said: “This initiative emerged in response to the growing urgency to strengthen respect for IHL amidst the intensifying human costs of modern armed conflicts. It aims to promote renewed international dialogue and practical engagement on IHL, with the goal of reaffirming a shared global commitment to preserving humanity in times of war.”

He said South Africa, as a founding member of the global initiative, continues to make the clarion call to all countries to join it.

“We have brought you here today as Heads of African Diplomatic Missions based in Pretoria, with the express aim of encouraging wider African Union State participation and recognising the valuable contributions of African states to a more inclusive and representative international conversation on IHL,” he said.

He highlighted that Africa is currently experiencing over 20 conflicts, while the Middle East remains volatile with recent conflicts in Lebanon, Iran, and Syria. 

“Historical evidence suggests that Israel is committed to actions against Palestinians that some view as ethnic cleansing through ongoing conflict,” Botes said.

He said the IHL offers crucial moral and legal guidance in a world marked by conflict and tragedy, making it more relevant and critical than ever.

Leaders at the event, including Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the ICRC, and Salih Omar Abdu, Ambassador of Eritrea to South Africa and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, urged African governments to join the initiative. 

They talked about the importance of global cooperation in upholding humanitarian principles and protecting civilians in conflict zones.

Spoljaric said that over 70 states have joined IHL efforts, urging other governments to follow suit.

According to her, the representation from across the entire African continent is crucial for the initiative’s success.

“African states have a critical role to play in making this initiative a success,” she said.

Abdu echoed a similar sentiment, urging all governments to join and support the global initiative. 

“Let us work to make Africa a place where her sons and daughters can live in peace, realise their potential, and contribute to a prosperous and stable future,” he said.

He noted Africa is facing numerous challenges, which include armed conflicts, violence, natural disasters, and competition over resources, which impact the lives and dignity of millions of Africans daily. 

“We need more stability and stronger respect for IHL if we want to build peace, security, and sustainable development as set out in the 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Without peace, Africa cannot fully use its rich mineral and natural resources to benefit our people,” he said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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