Vice President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Gilles Carbonnier, emphasized the critical need for political solutions to humanitarian crises, as the world has been grappled with conflicts.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) at the 11th Xiangshan Forum, Carbonnier, a seasoned participant, called for the imperative implementation of the Geneva Conventions.
"But there is no humanitarian solutions to humanitarian crisis. We must find political solutions. My main message is that the Geneva Conventions that are just turning 75 years this year must be implemented in armed conflicts, even in these situations, and this has to become a political priority," said Carbonnier.
Reflecting on the ongoing humanitarian challenges amidst the year-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Carbonnier shed light on the ICRC's relentless efforts in Gaza.
"Our teams have been working at 24 hours, seven days a week, to try to do all we can to bring medical assistance to the people in Gaza. That hostages must be released without condition and that we have asked to have access to be able to ascertain their conditions and provide medical assistance as need be," said Carbonnier.
In recognition of China's significant contributions to global peace efforts, Carbonnier commended the nation's active role in advocating for civilian protection and its extensive involvement in peacekeeping missions worldwide.
"China is a major player on the world scene and we have seen, for example, in New York, [China] is a permanent member of the UN security council, Chinese representatives speaking out very clearly, for instance, for the protection of civilians. And we also see that China is very much involved with peacekeepers. PLA is involved with peacekeepers across the world. [China] is a very important contributing nation," said Carbonnier.
Noting the plight of displaced refugees remains a pressing concern, Carbonnier said the ICRC has been working with all parties worldwide to reunite families torn apart by conflicts.
"And I can tell you that the most emotional part of our job is when we are able to reunite children with their parents. So we are working globally with national society, clarify the fate of missing people and reunite families. We need bridges to be built and solutions to be found to deescalate and to find an enabling environment for peace and for stability," said Carbonnier.
The three-day forum opened on Thursday in Beijing, attracting more than 500 representatives of official delegations from more than 100 countries and international organizations, and over 200 experts and scholars, to discuss global security.
At the forum, Carbonnier delivered a speech on the topic of the international mechanism and the global security governance.
ICRC vice president calls for political solution to humanitarian crises
