34th Conference of the ICRC: ´Navigate Uncertainty, Strengthen Humanity’
28 to 31 October 2024, Geneva
‘For the Record: Voices from the Conference’
Statement by Sri Lanka
Madam Chair
Sri Lanka conveys its deep and profound appreciation to the ICRC, the IFRC and the National Societies for their leading role across the world in forming the largest humanitarian network.
This Conference coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, that codified the fundamental principles of IHL. In line with Sri Lanka's commitment to these principles the National IHL Committee with the technical assistance from the ICRC has translated the Geneva Conventions into the vernacular languages, Sinhala and Tamil.
Multiple conflicts are ongoing around the world, including in the Middle East where the people of Gaza have been subjected to untold suffering for over a year.
Since the last Conference in 2019, humanity has witnessed multiple crises fuelled by conflicts, natural disasters and climate change affecting billions of humans.
Sri Lanka notes with great concern the blatant disregard of parties to conflicts for IHL. Millions who are displaced and fleeing conflicts, are deprived of basic humanitarian needs. IHL is being breached with impunity. In this context, we reiterate the need for a renewed commitment to the cardinal principles of IHL.
All parties to conflict must, at all times, abide by the rules of IHL. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected with special attention to the needs of vulnerable persons.
Sri Lanka wishes to place on record our deep appreciation for the noble work of humanitarian organizations and workers under extreme conditions. The ICRC, the IFRC and National Societies have been at the forefront to provide much needed assistance, relief and protection.
Humanitarian workers are placing their lives at risk to serve those in need of assistance. We take this opportunity to pay tribute to the humanitarian workers who have sacrificed their lives in service to humanity.
Madam Chair
Sri Lanka remains committed to upholding IHL. The National IHL Committee chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to disseminate IHL.
As an active partner of disarmament fora, Sri Lanka has highlighted the implications of new and emerging technologies and the risks of fully autonomous weapons challenging the fundamental principles of IHL. Sri Lanka has been at the forefront in calling for a legally binding instrument as the existing IHL were not designed to address the complexities posed by these weapons. We were a main sponsor of the first ever UNGA resolution on LAWS adopted with overwhelming support at the 78th Session.
Sri Lanka is committed to the goal of a mine free country and has accelerated humanitarian demining work according to the National Action Plan.
Sri Lanka has traditionally played an important role in contributing to international peace and security through consistent support for global norms and treaties against weapons of mass destruction (WMD), nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament.
Last year, Sri Lanka ratified the CTBT and acceded to the TPNW. Drafting of domestic legislation is underway to give effect to the provisions of the Biological Weapons Convention.
In conclusion Sri Lanka reiterates its strong commitment to IHL, and call upon all parties to recommit to upholding IHL with the fundamental objective of preserving humanity.
Thank you.
Important Links