(August 26, Palais des Nations, Geneva)

Your Excellencies Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba, President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger,

First of all, we would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to Switzerland and Sierra Leone for organizing this event of special significance. 

Yesterday afternoon, we visited the city of Geneva in commemoration of the extraordinary journey of the Geneva Conventions from their birth till today and their important role and outstanding contributions. These Conventions are the core of IHL and embody the humanitarian spirit. The humanitarian principles enshrined therein have forged the greatest consensus among various civilizations. 

At present, the international situation is characterized by turbulence and chaos, with wars and conflicts flaring up from Gaza to Ukraine, from Sudan to Yemen, and relevant humanitarian calls by the Security Council not being effectively responded to. The implementation of IHL, as represented by the Conventions, is still facing severe challenges. 

Just now I have listened attentively to the remarks made by other participants, many of which are highly relevant and inspiring. I would like to share four points. 

First, to uphold IHL, we must take a people-centered approach. Such an approach is not only the heart of the humanitarian spirit, but also the common demand of the three pillars of peace, development, and human rights. The international community should promote dialogue and consultation, conduct preventive diplomacy, seek peaceful settlement, and address the root causes to protect civilians from the sufferings of wars. The international community should provide timely assistance, support post-conflict reconstruction, help countries in their economy and livelihoods, and leave no one behind. The international community should also respect and protect human rights, especially the basic human rights and interests of women, children, and other vulnerable groups in conflict areas to safeguard the bottom line of human civilization. 

Second, to uphold IHL, we must pursue the international rule of law. Abiding by the UN Charter’s purposes and principles, safeguarding the authority of international law, and maintaining the international order based on international law are the best way to uphold IHL. Any approach of instrumentalizing or politicizing IHL is unacceptable. 

Third, to uphold IHL, we must pursue multilateralism. The Conventions have 196 state parties, which is indeed a resounding success of multilateralism. Complying with the humanitarian principles enshrined in the Conventions relies on the international community’s common faith, collective actions, solidarity, and cooperation. 

Fourth, to uphold IHL, we must strengthen coordination and cooperation. The Security Council should play its role by vigorously promoting IHL’s universal and uniform application. At the same time, the ICRC should maintain the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence and promote and uphold IHL in conflict areas. The UN humanitarian bodies should work in accordance with the Charter and GA Resolution 46/182. And the governments of the countries concerned and parties to the conflict should fulfill their obligations under IHL. We hope that all stakeholders will pull their efforts together to form great synergy in upholding IHL. 

China has all along actively promoted the implementation of IHL. We stand ready to work with all parties as an active supporter, participant, and contributor to the international humanitarian cause and to further enrich and enhance the humanitarian spirit as represented by the Geneva Conventions. 

Thank you.