Joint assertion: DIRCO and ICRC name for stronger political dedication to uphold IHL throughout Africa

On 12 August 2025, States commemorated the 76th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the bedrock of authorized norms relevant throughout armed conflicts. These basic guidelines stay in power for all States and events to a battle, but ongoing conflicts worldwide proceed to devastate civilian lives and very important infrastructure. With ongoing armed conflicts at present affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals throughout Africa, the necessity to place IHL on the centre of political discussions couldn’t be extra pressing.

It is because of this that in September 2024, South Africa along with Brazil, China, France, Jordan, and Kazakhstan co-launched with the ICRC an initiative to impress political dedication to IHL. Its core purpose is to boost political dedication to IHL and promote its common, uniform and devoted utility at world, regional and home ranges. The initiative additionally goals to deepen reflections on current and up to date challenges to IHL. More than 70 states have already joined this effort.

African states participation is essential to the success of this initiative. Broad continental illustration is important to reaffirm our collective dedication, made 76 years in the past, that even in conflict, there are limits. Together, we should demand all events to armed conflicts to completely adjust to their obligations below IHL, together with these enshrined within the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

On World Humanitarian Day, we’re reminded of the pressing must renew the protecting energy of IHL. The rules of humanity, army necessity, distinction, proportionality, and precaution, and the prohibition of pointless struggling, have to be upheld in all armed conflicts, with out exception.

The assembly in Pretoria reaffirms that African states bear a collective duty to advertise, respect and guarantee respect of IHL.  
The Government of South Africa and the ICRC name on all African States to unite in reaffirming the universality, impartiality, and consistency of IHL.