25 August 1993 – The Republic of Macedonia ratified the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols

On 25 August 1993, the Republic of Macedonia took a historic step by becoming a High Contracting Party to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the two Additional Protocols of 1977. Through this act, the State reaffirmed its strong commitment to respecting the rules of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which aim to limit suffering and protect the dignity of all those who are not, or are no longer, taking part in hostilities.

The ratification of these treaties was of fundamental importance for the country’s international standing, as it constituted a key prerequisite for the international recognition of the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia. As a result of this process, the National Society was officially recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross and, in 1995, was admitted as a full member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Today, the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols remain a lasting commitment to humanity, even in the most challenging circumstances. As a National Society, the Red Cross continues to actively promote International Humanitarian Law, raise public awareness, and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge about the rules that protect humanity.