As the Geneva Conventions celebrate 75 years of shaping international humanitarian law, their relevance remains vital amid escalating global conflicts. In an exclusive interview with Kun.uz, Konstantin Obolenski, the Swiss Ambassador to Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of these conventions, highlighted Uzbekistan’s proactive role in fostering their values, and discussed how Switzerland continues to champion humanitarian principles on the global stage, including through recent initiatives like the Uzbek Latin script translation of the conventions.
Ambassador Obolenski, thank you for your time and for Switzerland's efforts in promoting human rights in Uzbekistan. To start, how do you assess the relevance and effectiveness of the Geneva Conventions in today's rapidly changing geopolitical landscape?
International humanitarian law, embodied in the Geneva Conventions, is fundamental to our civilization. Unfortunately, after years of relative peace, we now see a surge in conflicts — over 120 international and civil wars globally. The conventions provide the sole legal framework to regulate the conduct of hostilities and mitigate the suffering of affected populations. In a world fraught with conflict, their relevance is undeniable.
What significance does the translation of the Geneva Conventions into Uzbek Latin script hold for Uzbekistan, and how might this translation enhance awareness and understanding of humanitarian principles among citizens of Uzbekistan?
This initiative aims to ensure that younger professionals and students of international law, who are more proficient in Latin script, can access and understand these critical texts. The translation, supported by the Swiss Embassy, the Human Rights Center, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), will help train security forces and educate future leaders about humanitarian law principles, fostering broader awareness and implementation.
How do you view Uzbekistan's role in promoting the Geneva Conventions' values, particularly regarding regional stability and international cooperation?
Fortunately, Uzbekistan is a stable and safe country. In such environments, the focus is on preparation — ensuring armed forces are well-trained in handling prisoners of war, safeguarding civilians, and respecting humanitarian principles during potential conflicts. While the Swiss Embassy collaborates with relevant authorities, it is primarily the ICRC that drives knowledge dissemination. We encourage Uzbekistan to continue these efforts and remain a committed advocate for the conventions.
