South Africa Urges African States to Champion International Humanitarian Law
More than 30 diplomats representing African States in Pretoria attended South Africa’s High-Level Initiative to mobilise African commitment to International Humanitarian Law. Held on 19 August 2025, the event sought to lobby African governments to strengthen support for better implementation and compliance with IHL and brought together Heads of Pretoria-based African Missions and as well as representatives from the founding members of the Global Initiative on IHL: Brazil, China, France, Jordan, and Kazakhstan.
Against the backdrop of the 76th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, celebrated a week earlier, the ICRC in Southern Africa and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the government of South Africa urged African States to join the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law.
Speaking at the event, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes reiterated a clarion call for African states to join the initiative: “We call on governments to join and champion the Global Initiative. As a founding member, South Africa, together with the ICRC, reiterates the call to uphold humanity in times of war. Today’s event reflects our shared commitment and the vital role of African States in shaping a more inclusive international dialogue on international humanitarian law.”
Echoing Botes, the Head of ICRC in Southern Africa, Mr Jules Amoti called on African states to come forward to bring their experiences and leadership to the Initiative.
Jules Amoti, Head of ICRC Southern Africa, speaking to journalists at the event.
Why this Initiative Matters
Last year, South Africa, Brazil, China, France Jordan, and Kazakhstan, in collaboration with the ICRC, launched the Global Initiative on IHL, a platform to remind states of their obligations under IHL and to make respect for IHL a political priority.
Despite the universal ratification of the Geneva Conventions, violations of fundamental humanitarian norms are widespread. Ongoing conflicts around the globe, whether in urban centers, rural villages, or at sea, are causing devastating human suffering, destruction, and displacement. Attacks on civilian infrastructure, hospitals, and humanitarian workers are all too frequent. The human, social, economic, and environmental costs of these violations are unsustainable.
States must renew their commitment to the Geneva Conventions and uphold the principle that humanity must prevail in war.
Jules Amoti, Head of ICRC Southern Africa and Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, along with Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the six founding members of the Global High-Level Initiative on IHL.
Africa’s Voice and Global Solidarity
“It was a privilege to engage with diplomats from African states and the founding members of the Initiative. Their presence and commitment are a reminder that promoting humanity above all else is a shared responsibility. The ICRC remains impartial and independent, yet we firmly believe that much of the suffering we see today could be reduced if states respected and implemented IHL consistently”, added Amoti.
A Call to Action
The time to join the Global IHL initiative is now. States must act decisively, not only to reaffirm their commitments but to implement them in practice, to protect civilians, safeguard humanitarian space, and preserve the principles of humanity even in times of war.
