KAIPTC Commandant Highlights Civilian Suffering in Modern Warfare Dynamics.

Accra: Major General Richard Addo Gyane, the Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), has voiced concerns over the increasing impact on civilians in today's armed conflicts, urging a renewed commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL). His remarks were made during a symposium commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, themed 'Challenges and Dilemmas in the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).'According to Ghana News Agency, the event was organized in collaboration with the Swiss Government and gathered diplomats, academics, defense officials, and representatives from humanitarian organizations. The symposium aimed to evaluate the relevance and enforcement of the Geneva Conventions amid the changing dynamics of warfare. First adopted in 1949, the Geneva Conventions laid down fundamental IHL principles, including civilian protection, humane treatment of prisoners of war, and the prohibition of torture. Despite widespread rat ification, violations continue, highlighting the need for stronger accountability and enforcement.Maj. Gen. Gyane commended the Geneva Conventions as a pivotal element of international law that has protected millions since 1949. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by contemporary conflicts, such as asymmetric warfare and non-state actors, complicating compliance and enforcement efforts. 'The changing nature and complexity of conflicts have rendered the protection of civilians more difficult,' he noted. He emphasized that attacks on civilians, displacement, and environmental challenges are reshaping modern warfare, questioning the Geneva Conventions' adaptability to current conflicts.Maj. Gen. Gyane stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation to improve accountability and enforcement mechanisms, noting that impunity for war crimes remains a major obstacle. He reiterated the necessity for a united global effort to ensure adherence to IHL, highlighting the critical need to pr otect civilians and uphold human dignity in conflict zones. 'We must aim for a world where compliance with humanitarian law is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative,' he urged.Swiss Ambassador Simone Giger, who also spoke at the symposium, emphasized Switzerland's ongoing commitment to the Geneva Conventions. She noted that the first Geneva Convention of 1864, addressing the sick and wounded members of armed forces, was initiated by the Swiss government. Highlighting Switzerland's role as the depositary of the conventions, she announced plans for the Swiss government to convene a conference of High Contracting Parties in March 2025 to address the Fourth Geneva Convention's implementation, particularly in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.Ambassador Giger expressed concern regarding the increasing number of conflict-related fatalities, referencing data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). She pointed out that global conflict-related deaths rose from 153,000 in 20 22 to over 170,000 in 2023, with civilians, especially women and children, suffering the most. 'Violations of IHL are not signs of the futility of these legal rules but reflect the actions of parties who choose to trample on agreed norms. These acts must not go unpunished, as they undermine justice and jeopardize reconciliation,' she remarked.The symposium also featured a panel discussion on the Geneva Conventions' successes and challenges over the past 75 years. It examined the impact of emerging technologies, such as autonomous weapons and cyber warfare, on the principles of distinction and proportionality enshrined in IHL. Security and international law experts highlighted the evolving challenges posed by modern technological advancements, including cyber warfare and drone strikes, to the principles and enforcement of the Geneva Convention, advocating for updated frameworks to address emerging threats in contemporary conflict settings.