There has been a worrying trend in the number of armed conflicts steadily rising around the world since the 1990s, with around 120 armed conflicts happening currently.
Red Cross Red Crescent staff are there, when they are needed, helping those in crisis. We are devastated people have sadly died as a result of their dedication.
The shocking number of deaths comes as the Red Cross and international community marks 75 years since the signing of the four 1949 Geneva Conventions: a set of rules which are the cornerstone of international humanitarian law, also known as the rules of war.
In essence, the role of the Geneva Conventions is to preserve humanity even in the worst situations.
They are one of the only bodies of law to have been accepted by every single country in the world and have been fundamental in protecting people, including humanitarian workers, during armed conflict over the last seven decades.
We are seeing, in part, more dangerous and intense styles of conflict, particularly in urban areas, as well as an increasingly polarised world, fuelled by a significant increase in misinformation.
But the rules found in the Geneva Conventions are designed to be followed even in the extreme circumstances of war.
These rules proactively aid decision-making and help to protect civilians and those not taking part in fighting. If followed, they save lives.
The Geneva Conventions recognise that although humans do sometimes resort to violence to settle their differences, there are certain universal human values, which are common around the world and must be upheld at all times.
When this happens lives can be saved. We must preserve our shared humanity, no matter what the circumstances.
– Claire Clement is director of international law and policy at the British Red Cross
