Press Release: Justice For All Condemns Switzerland’s Failure to Uphold Its Role as Neutral Custodian of the Geneva Conventions

Washington, D.C. – Justice For All, a faith-based human rights organization, strongly condemns Switzerland’s decision to cancel the Conference of High Contracting Parties (HCP) to the Geneva Conventions. The conference, mandated by a 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution, was intended to address Israel’s grave violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). These violations include Israel’s illegal occupation of East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and its ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Switzerland’s failure to fulfill its responsibility as the depositary (neutral custodian) state of the Geneva Conventions represents a profound betrayal of international law and the victims of these atrocities. The cancellation, citing “profound differences” and a “lack of consensus” among states, is a clear capitulation to political pressure and a dereliction of duty in upholding the principles of international humanitarian law.

A Betrayal of International Law and Human Rights

The Fourth Geneva Convention was established to protect civilians during times of war. By canceling the conference, Switzerland has effectively shielded Israel from accountability for its ongoing violations of international humanitarian law, including:

• The blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, depriving civilians of life-saving resources.
• The forcible displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank.
• Systematic, grave breaches of the Convention, amounting to genocide.

As former U.N. human rights official, Craig Mokhiber, noted, Switzerland’s actions constitute “a clear act of politicization, a breach of neutrality, an abdication of its duties as depositary, and a clear effort to sabotage the process.” This failure is particularly egregious given the overwhelming global support for the conference, with 124 U.N. member states voting in favor of the UNGA resolution.

A Call for Moral Courage and Accountability

Justice For All calls on Switzerland to:

1. Reschedule immediately the Conference of High Contracting Parties to take place within the mandated UNGA timeline.
2. Ensure an inclusive and transparent drafting process for the conference declaration, incorporating input from Palestinian civil society and human rights organizations.
3. Uphold its obligations as depositary state by ensuring the conference enforces the Fourth Geneva Convention in the OPT, addressing Israel’s illegal occupation and holding perpetrators accountable.

Switzerland’s decision to prioritize political expediency over its legal responsibilities demonstrates a chilling indifference to the plight of Palestinians. Justice For All urges immediate corrective action and calls on the international community to hold Switzerland accountable for abandoning its role as a neutral guardian of the Geneva Conventions.

Quotes

“The Palestinian people deserve justice, and the world must not remain silent in the face of their horrific suffering and genocide. Switzerland must act now to uphold the principles of international humanitarian law and ensure that the voices of the oppressed are heard and their oppressors are held to account.”

– Imam Saffet Catovic, Director of U.N. Operations, Justice For All

“By canceling the conference at the last minute, Switzerland has not only disregarded the U.N. General Assembly’s directives but has chosen to side with the perpetrators and enablers of genocide and crimes against humanity. This decision stands against the Palestinian people, who, as confirmed by ICJ and ICC rulings, continue to suffer unlawful killings, forced displacement, and systemic violations of their rights.”

– Imam Malik Mujahid, President, Justice For All

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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Hena Zuberi, Director of Advocacy, Justice For All

hena@justiceforall.org

202-922-JUST