70th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions
This year we mark the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949. They are humanitarian rules that must be respected and applied even to the enemy soldiers during war. These rules are governed by the four Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949 and their Additional Protocols. The Geneva Conventions are based on the idea of respect for the individual and his/her dignity. The main purpose of the Geneva Conventions is to ensure the protection of persons who do not engage directly in hostilities or who do not fight due to illness, injury or captivity, or for any other reason. They must be respected and protected from the effects of war; those who suffer must be assisted and cared for without discrimination.
Promotion of respect of the international humanitarian law is one of the core commitments of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement which is based on the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to continuously promote these documents to the target institutions and individuals in order to ensure consistent respect in times of armed international and non-international conflicts.
The implementation of the international humanitarian law as a segment of international law that unites the international legal instruments applied in cases of armed conflict to limit their consequences is a matter to which the international community and states pay particular attention. The Republic of Macedonia is party to most international humanitarian law agreements. On 12 August 2019, we mark the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the four Geneva Conventions, which are considered the main sources of international humanitarian law. In accordance with international humanitarian law, States parties have the obligation, in peacetime and at war, to disseminate the Conventions and their Protocols.
The Red Cross of the Republic of Northern Macedonia is committed to promoting IHL and providing support to national authorities in the harmonization of national legislation with international humanitarian law; effective implementation of international humanitarian law by taking and monitoring practical measures and activities; monitoring the development of international humanitarian law and its dissemination in various segments of social life and promoting cooperation and coordination between competent institutions, including providing operational support for the functioning of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, based in the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia.
