2024 marked the 75^th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions(GCs) of 1949. On 16 September 2024, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation to the African Union (AU) and the Swiss Mission in Addis Ababa, convened a high-level event to commemorate the anniversary. This policy brief, produced within the framework of our partnership with the ICRC Delegation to the AU, presents an analysis of the major themes and insights that emerged from the commemoration event.

The first section of the policy brief provides a synthesis of the main insights into the achievements of the Geneva Conventions and why they remain vital today. Considering the various significant global developments, the second section identifies the existing and emerging challenges facing the Conventions and IHL in general. The third section draws the lessons and insights from experiences shared during the event. In part four, the policy brief explores the key role of various stakeholders in reaffirming the continued importance of IHL. Finally, it concludes with key messages and recommendations.