Geneva Call marks 25 years of putting humanity first

On September 4th, we had the honour of marking a key milestone for the organization: 25 years of Geneva Call’s commitment to protecting civilians in armed conflict.

At a time when civilians around the world continue to suffer from increasing violence and displacement – and humanitarian organizations face challenges in reaching those in need – this gathering served both as a moment of reflection and a call to renewed action.

The turbulent context we face today – marked by growing challenges to international humanitarian law, the erosion of respect for the international law-based order, and the access of armed groups to ever-more sophisticated weapons and technologies – makes Geneva Call’s work complex, but also more essential than ever: to ensure that humanitarian norms are upheld by all parties involved in conflict.

Opening remarks by Mr Jean Keller, Chair of Geneva Call’s Board of Trustees, were followed by strong expressions of support for the organization’s work from Mr Alfonso Gomez, Mayor of Geneva, and Ms Nathalie Fontanet, State Councillor of the Republic and Canton of Geneva.

A panel discussion introduced by General Director Mr Alain Délétroz showcased Geneva Call’s work in the countries where it operates, underlining the vital importance of building trust with armed groups as the foundation for meaningful dialogue and progress. This is often a long and difficult process – one that includes challenges and setbacks, and requires persistence, perseverance, and sustained presence on the ground – but it is key to underpinning the  credibility and effectiveness of the organization’s work in conflict-affected areas and to gaining access and fostering constructive engagement with all parties in these complex environments.

The panellists included a representative of a signatory to Geneva Call’s Deeds of Commitment from Myanmar, as well as Geneva Call staff representing field missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria and Yemen, who shared firsthand experiences and concrete examples of progress achieved. Their testimonies were complemented by a video message from a civil society representative in the DRC, further underscoring the impact of Geneva Call’s work on the ground.

Their voices reminded us that, while challenges remain, progress is possible when all actors in conflict commit to upholding humanitarian norms.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Geneva Call over the past 25 years – and to those who continue to stand with us. Together, we put humanity first.

Held at the historic Palais Anna et Jean-Gabriel Eynard, the event was made possible with the generous support of the authorities of the City, Republic and State of Geneva.