The city of Geneva praises Geneva Call and TRIAL

Geneva Call and TRIAL, two NGOs working to promote human rights and humanitarian law in armed conflict, both received the “Genève reconnaissante” medal (Grateful Geneva) from Mr. Sami Kanaan, mayor of the city of Geneva, at a ceremony in the Musée Ariana on 26 March 2015. The “Genève reconnaissante” medal generally rewards individuals or organizations contributing to the influence and prestige of Geneva. Since it was first presented in 1932, winners have included personalities such as Kofi Annan or Jean Pictet.

View here the pictures of the ceremony.

Geneva Call’s mission is to enhance the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Geneva Call adopts a unique approach by negotiating with armed groups in order to engage with them on the respect of international humanitarian norms. Since 2000, 53 armed movements have signed one or more Deeds of Commitment on the total ban of anti-personnel mines, on the prohibition of sexual and gender-based violence, or on the protection of children in armed conflict and in particular the prohibition of using them assoldiers. To date, the level of respect of these commitments is very high and many lives have been saved.

Mr. Kanaan emphasized the fundamental role of these civil society actors in today’s world. “The strength and vitality of their commitment to promoting respect for the law is a credit and an asset to Geneva,” he said. “We are very proud to receive this distinction along with TRIAL,” noted Elisabeth Decrey Warner, Geneva Call’s President. “The award of this medal shows the effectiveness of law as a tool to protect civilians in armed conflict, to bring help to victims of human rights violations in general and to promote human dignity” she added.

Mrs. Decrey Warner also took the opportunity to thank the authorities for showing constant support for Geneva Call’s work. Furthermore, she stressed that these organizations could probably not exist elsewhere than in Geneva—a cradle of humanitarian action and human rights.

Geneva Call is a leading global organization in the negotiation of humanitarian agreements with armed groups. Through these agreements, armed groups make long-term commitments to better protect civilian populations. Its unique approach, focused on Deeds of Commitment, has been recognized as an example by the Secretary General of the United Nations in his annual reports on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.