Written question asked by Baroness Helic (Conservative) on Friday, 6 December 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 December 2024. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 6 January 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Geneva Conventions

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the efforts of the government of Switzerland in convening a meeting of the parties to the Geneva Conventions.

Answer: We continue to call for International Humanitarian Law, including the Geneva Conventions of 1949, to be respected around the world. 196 States have ratified the Conventions and have obligations to respect and adhere to their provisions. Our Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva met Swiss Government officials in December to discuss their plans to convene a meeting of High Contracting Parties. We are considering how to engage in preparations for the meeting, and await further information on its scope, objectives and timing.

Secondary information