Saudi Mission to UN hosts high-level panel discussion on International Humanitarian Law

GENEVA — The Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations in Geneva, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross, organized a high-level panel discussion on International Humanitarian Law. Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies Prince Turki Al-Faisal attended the discussion. The event was held within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s leading role as co-chair of Track Three of the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), focusing on “reducing suffering and promoting peace: a humanitarian perspective on disarmament.” The event reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting international efforts to enhance respect for IHL, integrate the humanitarian dimension into disarmament discussions, and promote international peace and security.Addressing the session, Prince Turki reviewed the growing challenges facing the international system amid declining respect for international law, including IHL, and the resulting escalation of conflicts and suffering among civilians. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of international law as a fundamental pillar for achieving peace and stability, warning that replacing the force of law with the force of power undermines international stability and fuels impunity. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s firm commitment to IHL, rooted in the values of Islamic Shariah, which call for mercy, justice, and the preservation of human dignity even during armed conflicts. He pointed to the Kingdom’s active role in supporting and strengthening the IHL framework through its early accession to the Geneva conventions, participation in the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL, and co-chairing Track Three, which connects IHL to peacebuilding efforts. Organizing this high-level event builds on the mission’s efforts to reinforce the Kingdom’s active presence and engagement with international organizations in Geneva, advance international discussions on IHL, and translate the Kingdom’s humanitarian orientation into practical initiatives in the multilateral arena, reflecting its steadfast commitment to supporting international peace and stability.