Myanmar: 75th anniversary exhibition of the Geneva Conventions focuses on States’ obligation to reduce suffering during armed conflict

The photo exhibition took place at The Eravati, one of Yangon’s iconic downtown hotels. Visitors found 32 photographs with explanations of the Geneva Conventions and a description of the events portrayed. The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the importance and relevance of international humanitarian law around the world, focusing on the obligations of States to ensure compliance in order to fulfil its protective purpose for civilians and those no longer participating in hostilities.

On this special page you will find

• The photo book containing a collection of the 32 photographs in the exhibition, each accompanied by a caption and the location where it was taken. These powerful images reflect the profound human suffering caused by armed conflict around the world and highlight the fundamental importance of the Geneva Conventions in five areas: humanitarian assistance, detention, missing persons, the protection of health care in armed conflict and the role of the ICRC as a neutral mediator.
• The video, recorded by scholars from different parts of the world, highlights the relevance of IHL in conflicts around the world and the vital role that States agreed to play when they signed the Conventions: to promote compliance with IHL worldwide.

Adopted on 12 August 1949 and now universally ratified, the Geneva Conventions represent a universal recognition that war needs rules to limit its devastating impact on humanity. The Geneva Conventions form the core of international humanitarian law (IHL), which protects people who are not or are no longer taking part in hostilities by regulating the conduct of armed conflict and placing restrictions on the means and methods of warfare in order to preserve a measure of humanity in armed conflict, save lives and reduce suffering.