“In the context of escalating military conflicts and their catastrophic impact on entire regions, causing the death of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of millions, the role of the international humanitarian law is increasingly important. 75 years after their adoption, the implementation of the four Geneva Conventions remains fundamental” said Ambassador Yuri Sterk in Bulgaria's national statement at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, held on 28-31 October 2024 in Geneva.

Every four years, the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent brings together representatives of the 196 States Parties to the Geneva Conventions and of the Movement's organizations: the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The objectives of the conference are to strengthen humanitarian action and respect for international humanitarian law and to focus on the collective commitment to save lives and alleviate suffering.

“Bulgaria is deeply concerned that despite its universal endorsement and critical role in conflict International Humanitarian Law is still and even more intensely being violated, and the number of fatalities and incidents involving humanitarian personnel is dramatically increasing. We highlight the vital importance of achieving more effective implementation and dissemination of IHL and the role of National Committees on International Humanitarian Law in this regard”, underlined Ambassador Sterk and recalled that “Bulgaria is one of the few countries to have submitted its National Voluntary Report on the compliance of Bulgarian legislation with IHL”.

After four days of intense discussions, 2,200 delegates from around the world adopted by consensus five resolutions aimed at promoting respect for international humanitarian law, protecting civilians from the impact of digital technologies in warfare, strengthening the role of local communities in humanitarian action, and better managing, coordinating and anticipating the effects of natural disasters. Additional panel discussions were held on the individual themes of the resolutions to dialogue and exchange views on different aspects of humanitarian action, the challenges it faces and the measures needed to strengthen it at the local and global level.

In addition to the strong support for the resolutions and their consensus adoption at the Conference, Bulgaria presented its voluntary commitments on their implementation.

The Bulgarian Red Cross also contributed to the general discussions by presenting Bulgaria's good experience in the preparation of the First Report of Bulgaria on the implementation of International Humanitarian Law. The BRC also presented its activities at an exhibition stand at the Conference, where the BRC Youth Delegate presented joint initiatives with other National Societies.