On 16 September, the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) took part in the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, an event organized by Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The gathering featured prominent speakers, including representatives from the ICRC, the International Federation of the Red Cross, Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and several Ambassadors. Approximately 100 participants, including state representatives, members of the Red Cross, and civil society organizations (CSOs), attended the event.

Speakers highlighted the enduring importance of the Geneva Conventions as the only set of rules universally ratified, while addressing contemporary challenges to their implementation. They emphasized the primary responsibility of states to uphold international humanitarian law (IHL) and underscored the need for increased political will to ensure compliance.

The event also marked the launch of the IHL Caucus, a "Group of Friends" initiative aimed at strengthening the application of IHL in Africa. The Caucus currently includes Ambassadors from Burundi, Cameroon, Egypt, The Gambia, and Uganda, supported by the think tank Amani Africa. It is anticipated that additional Ambassadors will join the Caucus in the future.