“Our shared humanity” – Geneva Call looks back on a tumultuous year in its Annual Report 2023 

Geneva Call is proud to unveil its Annual Report 2023, bearing the title “Our shared humanity”. In a year rife with humanitarian crises, the report not only showcases the impact of Geneva Call’s efforts and accomplishments in the past year, but also reflects on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as a common reference point to uphold the human dignity of all. 

2023 was marked by yet another escalation of conflicts world-wide, paired with a worrying erosion of trust in the international rules-based order. Against this backdrop, Geneva Call doubled down on its mission to create sustainable change in the behavior of armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDAs) by promoting the norms and principles of IHL. “The need for this kind of engagement is evident, as the current estimate of civilians who live under the control of AGDAs amounts to 195 million. We must remain committed to the protection of civilians everywhere, including those living outside of state control.” says Alain Délétroz, Director General at Geneva Call. 

The 2023 Annual Report features insights from our 14 countries of operation, depicting the impact of our efforts on the ground but also at the policy and global levels. The report also illustrates the various challenges our operations faced – from safety risks to bureaucratic impediments and the challenges surrounding the application of IHL – and how these can be tackled. “I am particularly proud of the impact the organization has been able to achieve despite a very worrisome international environment,” said Jean Keller, President of Geneva Call’s Board of Trustees. “This is a testament to the immense commitment of our staff worldwide, making a noticeable difference in preserving the lives and dignity of thousands of civilians.” 

In 2023, Geneva Call put special emphasis on the topic of children and armed conflict. This is a regrettably timely issue, as not only the total numbers of civilians affected by armed conflict has reached a peak in recent history: 468 million children are currently estimated to live in areas of armed conflict. A detailed account of our thematic approach is featured in the Annual Report, illustrating Geneva Call’s efforts in this crucial thematic area.  

The progress highlighted in the Annual Report are also made possible by the continued efforts to strengthen the organization’s systems, accountability, and structure. The report therefore contains institutional highlights such as innovative IT support systems put in place, revised HR strategies, and a depiction of the organization’s robust financial condition. 

Learn more about our activities and achievements in Geneva Call’s 2023 Annual Report.