The Geneva Conventions have long been recognized as the cornerstone of international humanitarian law, aimed at mitigating the horrors of war and protecting individuals not actively involved in hostilities, particularly those who are defenseless such as wounded, sick and shipwrecked military personnel, civilians, prisoners of war, etc. On such an important milestone year that marks the 70th anniversary of these conventions, most would consider it worthy of celebration. However, congresswoman Rashida Tlaib seems less than enthusiastic; her discontent is primarily aimed at Secretary of State Antony Blinken for his celebration of the anniversary.
Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of state, had taken to social media to praise the seventy-year-long existence of the Geneva conventions—a set of treaties marking guidelines for human rights during wars. His post read, Seventy years ago today, the four Geneva Conventions were adopted, establishing protections for civilians in wartime. These protections are as relevant today as they were then. We celebrate this milestone and continue to uphold these principles. However, this celebration was met with criticism from Democratic representative Rashida Tlaib.
Rashida Tlaib, an American politician and lawyer serving as the U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 13th congressional district since 2019, known for her candida attitude, lashed out at Blinken’s post. She questioned the Solicitor’s enthusiasm over the anniversary of the conventions, outlining in her dissent the lack of adherence to these conventions by known allies of the United States such as Israel.
Tlaib’s tweet read, Is this a joke? In the past year Israel bombed schools, hospitals, and the AP media building, yet we continue to give it money and not hold them accountable for violating these conventions. Celebrating this feels wrong. An open supporter of Palestinian rights, Tlaib points out recent events where the international humanitarian law was breached by staunch American allies and yet, according to her, no actions taken indicate a disregard for the conventions.
The conversations between Blinken and Tlaib on the relevance and enforcement of the Geneva Conventions are reflective of the broader debate on global politics, accountability and human rights enforcement. There seems to be a persistent struggle in the world order when it comes to enforcing accountability for violations of the Geneva conventions. The conventions, while being a significant part of international humanitarian law, are too often seen as loosely binding.
Rashida’s criticism of Blinken is also indicative of the increasing tension and division within the Democratic party over their stance on Israel-Palestine issues. While Blinken’s tweet was an acknowledgment of the significance of the conventions in an ideal world order, Tlaib’s response underscored the external diplomatic and internal political challenges the U.S faces in upholding them.
Regardless of the tensions, the conversation initiated by Blinken and furthered by Tlaib also illuminates the necessity of remembering and upholding the values encapsulated by the Geneva Conventions, irrespective of geopolitical challenges. Indeed, their discussion sparks the imperative need for further evaluation of current international policies and the methods of their enforcement.