Kuugongelwa-Amadhila calls for respect of humanitarian law

National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on the international community to recommit to upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilians in times of conflict.

Speaking during the general debate of the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the Geneva Conventions remain a vital framework for limiting the effects of armed conflict and safeguarding civilians, medical workers, journalists and humanitarian personnel.

She said Namibia’s own experience of a long liberation struggle has shaped the country’s appreciation of the need to maintain humanitarian standards under all circumstances.

Since independence, Namibia has ratified key international instruments, including the Geneva Conventions.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila expressed concern about the growing disregard for international law and the erosion of multilateralism, saying unilateral actions by powerful nations undermine the humanitarian framework.

“We are witnessing, with concern, a shift from commitment to multilateralism to unilateralism, mainly in pursuit of the interests of individual nations,” she said.

She added: “A good case in point here is the Gaza crisis where international humanitarian organisations could not deliver life-saving aid, including medicines, food and water to the people of Gaza, not because of the ineffectiveness of international humanitarian law, but because aid was deliberately blocked from entering Gaza, a blatant violation of the principles of the fourth Geneva Convention.”

She also criticised economic sanctions imposed on countries such as Cuba and Venezuela, saying they restrict access to essential services, disrupt development and harm the livelihoods of affected populations.

The speaker said reforms to the multilateral system are urgently needed to make it more responsive to current and future challenges, including climate change, which she described as a growing humanitarian threat.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila noted that women and children remain among the most vulnerable in conflict situations, highlighting the continued rise in sexual violence during armed conflicts. She called for stronger political will and accountability to end impunity for such violations.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.