Vision
We were originally created out of concern for the dangers of anti-personnel mines that harm and kill civilians indiscriminately, including long after conflicts have ended. From that initial focus, our work of protecting civilians in armed conflicts broadened. Now, we envision a world in which every civilian is safe from the dangers of armed conflict because all parties to a conflict, including armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDAs), fully respect international humanitarian norms and principles.
Mission
Geneva Call works to improve the protection of civilians in armed conflict by promoting respect among armed groups and de facto authorities for international humanitarian norms and principles. To achieve this, we engage with AGDAs to raise their awareness about international humanitarian norms and principles and encourage them to comply with these standards by signing Deeds of Commitment and implement tools to ensure compliance with humanitarian norms and principles.
Approach
Our unique approach builds on a long-term dialogue with AGDAs that encourages them to adopt and respect humanitarian norms promising to minimize the impact of armed conflict on civilians. Our dialogue uses several innovative tools such as the Deeds of Commitment or unilateral declarations by AGDAs as a way to reinforce their commitment to positive change.
Core values
Our values reflect those of a neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian organization that believes engaging with AGDAs is essential to influence the dialogue around humanitarian imperatives and civilian loss. Humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence, accountability, dedication and respect: these seven fundamental values underpin all of Geneva Call’s work.
History
Key moments in the history of Geneva Call
September 2021
Launch of a new Deed of Commitment on the Prevention of Starvation and Addressing Conflict-Related Food Insecurity.
January 2019
Geneva Call has engaged over 120 armed groups and de facto authorities since 2000
More than 60 of them have signed at least one Deed of Commitment.
Destruction of all remaining stockpiles of anti-personnel mines held by the Polisario Front
The Polisario Front destroyed 2,485 stockpiled anti-personnel (AP) mines, bringing the total number destroyed to date to 20,493.
October 2018
Launch of the “Culture Under Fire” study on armed non-State actors and the protection of cultural heritage
January 2016
First World Humanitarian Summit
At the invitation of the United Nations, a delegation of Geneva Call participated in the World Humanitarian Summit
January 2013
New report published
Geneva Call publishes a report on armed non-state actors and displacement in armed conflict.
Launch of “Fighter not Killer”
The Fighter not Killer campaign is launched.
January 2010
Geneva Call launches a new Deed of Commitment on the protection of children.
January 2002
First Geneva Call verification mission
Geneva Call carries out its first verification mission (to the Philippines) to address compliance by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front with the Deed of Commitment for Adherence to a Total Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines and for Cooperation.
January 2000
Geneva Call is officially established in Geneva
The conference Engaging Non-State Actors in a Landmine Ban organized by the Swiss Campaign to Ban Landmines and other country chapters of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines is the opportunity to establish the new organization.
January 2020
20 YEARS ANNIVERSARY
Geneva Call celebrates its 20 years of humanitarian engagement.
November 2018
Launch of a new Deed of Commitment on the protection of healthcare in armed conflict
June 2018
Geneva Call adopts a new visual identity to reflect its broader and more international mission
January 2014
Geneva Call at the United Nations Security Council
Geneva Call addressed the United Nations Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Forces for the first time
First demobilization of child soldiers
Kurdish armed forces demobilize 149 child soldiers in Syria following their signature of the Deed of Commitment. This is the first demobilization of children thanks to the work of Geneva Call.
January 2012
Geneva Call launches http://www.theirwords.org
A unique online directory of commitments, policies and agreements made by AGDAs on issues related to international humanitarian law and human rights.
Launch of a new Deed of Commitment
Geneva Call launches the Deed of Commitment on the Prohibition of Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict and towards the Elimination of Gender Discrimination.
January 2004
Geneva Call organises an unprecedented conference
Geneva Call organized an unprecedented conference bringing together 32 combatant and ex-combatant women for a workshop to discuss their experiences within armed opposition groups and their potential roles in promoting humanitarian norms.
January 2001
First signature of a Deed of Commitment
The Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) is the first AGDA to sign the Deed of Commitment for Adherence to a Total Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines and for Cooperation in Mine Action.
September 2021
Launch of a new Deed of Commitment on the Prevention of Starvation and Addressing Conflict-Related Food Insecurity.
January 2020
20 YEARS ANNIVERSARY
Geneva Call celebrates its 20 years of humanitarian engagement.
January 2019
Geneva Call has engaged over 120 armed groups and de facto authorities since 2000
More than 60 of them have signed at least one Deed of Commitment.
Destruction of all remaining stockpiles of anti-personnel mines held by the Polisario Front
The Polisario Front destroyed 2,485 stockpiled anti-personnel (AP) mines, bringing the total number destroyed to date to 20,493.
November 2018
Launch of a new Deed of Commitment on the protection of healthcare in armed conflict
October 2018
Launch of the “Culture Under Fire” study on armed non-State actors and the protection of cultural heritage
June 2018
Geneva Call adopts a new visual identity to reflect its broader and more international mission
January 2016
First World Humanitarian Summit
At the invitation of the United Nations, a delegation of Geneva Call participated in the World Humanitarian Summit
January 2014
Geneva Call at the United Nations Security Council
Geneva Call addressed the United Nations Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Forces for the first time
First demobilization of child soldiers
Kurdish armed forces demobilize 149 child soldiers in Syria following their signature of the Deed of Commitment. This is the first demobilization of children thanks to the work of Geneva Call.
January 2013
New report published
Geneva Call publishes a report on armed non-state actors and displacement in armed conflict.
Launch of “Fighter not Killer”
The Fighter not Killer campaign is launched.
January 2012
Geneva Call launches http://www.theirwords.org
A unique online directory of commitments, policies and agreements made by AGDAs on issues related to international humanitarian law and human rights.
Launch of a new Deed of Commitment
Geneva Call launches the Deed of Commitment on the Prohibition of Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict and towards the Elimination of Gender Discrimination.
January 2010
Geneva Call launches a new Deed of Commitment on the protection of children.
January 2004
Geneva Call organises an unprecedented conference
Geneva Call organized an unprecedented conference bringing together 32 combatant and ex-combatant women for a workshop to discuss their experiences within armed opposition groups and their potential roles in promoting humanitarian norms.
January 2002
First Geneva Call verification mission
Geneva Call carries out its first verification mission (to the Philippines) to address compliance by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front with the Deed of Commitment for Adherence to a Total Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines and for Cooperation.
January 2001
First signature of a Deed of Commitment
The Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) is the first AGDA to sign the Deed of Commitment for Adherence to a Total Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines and for Cooperation in Mine Action.
January 2000
Geneva Call is officially established in Geneva
The conference Engaging Non-State Actors in a Landmine Ban organized by the Swiss Campaign to Ban Landmines and other country chapters of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines is the opportunity to establish the new organization.
