34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Held in Geneva
01.11.2024 / 12:58 | Aktualizováno: 01.11.2024 / 14:42
The Czech delegation led by the Chief Director of the Legal and Consular Section, Martin Smolek, participated in the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent from 28 to 31 October 2024.
In line with the motto of this year's conference "Navigating uncertainty, empowering humanity", participants discussed current challenges to humanitarian law and action posed by new technologies or extreme weather and climate events
"75 years ago, the international community recognized the need to protect human dignity in times of war, leading to the adoption of the Geneva Conventions of 1949. Today, we again feel the urgent need to respond to the current humanitarian challenges facing the world. That is why we greatly appreciate the diversity of this year's programme, which mobilises States and other actors to strengthen humanitarian action," said Martin Smolek, Senior Director of the Legal and Consular Section of the MFA, in his speech. In addition to him, a delegation composed of representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Health is attending the conference.
The debates also covered the creation of a universal culture of respect for international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and health professionals from cyber-attacks during armed conflict, and the strengthening of the legal framework for disaster risk management. These topics and other outcomes of the conference will be addressed in more detail by the Czech Republic in the coming years, including in the framework of the National Group for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law.