Joint Media Release
12 August 2009
Government Ratifies Protocol to Mark 60 years of the Geneva Conventions
Attorney-General, Hon Robert McClelland MP
Hon Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon John Faulkner
Today, on the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, we announce Australia’s ratification of the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions.
The Geneva Conventions are a fundamental pillar of international humanitarian law.
They provide the international legal framework that obliges all states to protect civilians, the wounded and prisoners of war during periods of armed conflict. Australia has been a strong supporter of the Geneva Conventions since we first signed on 4 January 1950.
The Protocol establishes a third neutral emblem for use by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - the Red Crystal. The Red Crystal, along with the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, is an international symbol of protection identifying persons and facilities providing medical or humanitarian aid in armed conflict and natural disasters.
The new Red Crystal emblem will enable Red Cross societies who do not prefer to identify with either the cross or the crescent symbol to instead use the crystal to identify them as members of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement.
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, congratulated the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for continuing to foster the principles of international humanitarian law to limit human suffering in times of armed conflict.
"It is through humanitarian organisations such as these that for the past 60 years we have been able to work to prevent atrocities, especially against civilians, the wounded, and prisoners of war," Mr McClelland said.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Stephen Smith, underlined his admiration for the tireless efforts of all humanitarian workers in seeking to alleviate the suffering of individuals during armed conflict. He recalled with the deepest regret the high number of humanitarian workers killed every year.
Defence Minister, Senator John Faulkner, paid special tribute to all in the Australian Defence Force who are uniquely connected to the Conventions through their vocation, and who have displayed unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in them.
The Government will today move a Motion in the House to commemorate the 60th
anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions.
Media inquiries:
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555