Geneva Call’s president, Elisabeth Decrey Warner, receives France’s highest distinction

Geneva Call’s President, Ms. Elisabeth Decrey Warner, was awarded the French Legion of Honour by the Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Nicolas Niemtchinow, on Thursday, 19 September 2013.

The French Legion of Honour not only rewards her life’s work, but also the success of the foundation she was instrumental in launching in 2000, Geneva Call. The aim of Geneva Call is to enhance the protection of civilians in armed conflict. It employs a unique and innovative approach by engaging armed movements on the respect of international humanitarian norms.

Forty-five movements have signed one or more Deeds of Commitment on the total ban of anti-personnel mines, the prohibition of sexual and gender-based violence, and the protection of children in armed conflict. To date, the commitments taken by armed movements are highly respected and many lives have been saved.

Thanks to its highly committed team, Geneva Call is internationally well recognized and is included within the world’s top 100 best NGOs set by the Global Journal. Ms. Decrey Warner was nominated among the 100 most influential people in violence reduction in armed conflict and was awarded the prestigious Hessen Peace Prize in 2012. She was also a member of the Parliament of the Republic and Canton of Geneva for 13 years before becoming its President in 2000.

Ms. Decrey Warner expressed gratitude to France and said: “Receiving such recognition is proof that a commitment that is deeply fixed in humanitarian principles can, by overcoming the skepticism of a few, help people that are suffering in the midst of conflict. I would like this distinction to encourage others to follow this path.”