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Poland: The ICRC and the Swiss Embassy commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions

The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss embassy in Poland co-organized an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, in cooperation with the University of Warsaw on 11 October. 

During the event, the Vice President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Gilles Carbonnier, delivered a keynote address. 

ICRC VP makes speech

The event, attended by representatives of the government, diplomatic corps and academia, consisted of three parts: 

The opening of the Polish version of the exhibition Dialogues on Humanity, produced by the ICRC, Photo Elysée and the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs.

Photo competition

Two expert panel discussions on Universal consensus on the need to preserve humanity in war and The impact of harmful information on people protected by IHL with the participation of the ICRC, Polish Red Cross and academia.

Expert panel poland
Expert panel poland
Expert panel poland

The award ceremony of the national student essay competition on potential impact of disinformation and hate speech in armed conflict ( Poland: Essay competition 2024 launch | ICRC) where the ten best essays were awarded prizes, starting with a selection of books on IHL through book vouchers to participation in the Polish Red Cross IHL school and a two-day trip to Geneva for the winning entry. 

Award ceremony
Award ceremony

I must admit that even though I was very excited about going to Geneva, I did not expect how wonderful the trip would be. The two-day trip included visit to the ICRC Headquarters, Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the opening ceremony of the 34th International Conference. The participation in the opening ceremony of the Conference gave me a chance to mingle with members of delegations of the States Party to the Geneva Conventions from all around the world.
I was warmly welcomed and taken on a guided tour around the ICRC Headquarters, also to places that are normally restricted to the visitors. It was an unique opportunity to see the daily work at the ICRC and learn more about the history of the organisation.
Geneva is a truly beautiful city, whose history is strongly connected with international humanitarian law and diplomacy.
I have seen it myself during walks on humanitarian trails through the city. The trip was an amazing experience and I feel grateful for this opportunity. I could not have dreamed of a better prize.

Wiktoria Wozny Winner of the national student essay competition for 2024, reflecting on her very first visit to Geneva:
: ICRC and Swiss Embassy commemorate 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions
: ICRC and Swiss Embassy commemorate 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions