The spirit of Geneva

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(1)Conference Papers p 194 à 198. 29.11.2002. 8:51. Page 194. THE SPIRIT OF GENEVA Margaret (Meegan) Murray Webster University Introduction In the context of this conference on humanitarian values, I would like to discuss the Spirit of Geneva, or “L’Esprit de Genève.” The Spirit of Geneva has existed for several centuries, a unique set of values slowly gaining momentum along the path of this city’s history. In this presentation, I will review the nature of the Spirit of Geneva and consider why it was not an accident that it developed here. As a result of this humanitarian spirit we find that Geneva is recognized in the world as a global center of humanitarian activity, and it hosts a number of major actors in the humanitarian sphere. I would also like to consider briefly the significance of this global humanitarian center, and reflect on what it means in the long term. The Spirit of Geneva is a combination of a number of values that together create the special climate found here. First and foremost, the Spirit of Geneva is based on the idea that mankind is inherently good. It also includes the beliefs that it is essential to help others, and that it is necessary to guarantee and protect the dignity of all human beings. In addition, the Spirit of Geneva holds true that human suffering in the world must be eradicated. And later on, the ideas developed that transparency and dialogue on these issues is important. All these values put together have created an environment in which for centuries humanitarian issues have been considered important, and worthy of the attention of citizens and governments alike. Who first made the term Spirit of Geneva popular? It was Robert de Traz, a Frenchman, who in 1929 wrote a book entitled L’Esprit de Genève, setting forth in detail the values he observed in the city. He was among the first to document the unique set of values present here, and the ways in which they were evident. At the time that he was writing about the city, Geneva was an important international center, as the seat of the League of Nations, and was very much involved in the effort to preserve peace. It was a city already showing evidence of the power of the humanitarian spirit growing here, and symbolizing the hopes for a peaceful outcome. The Development of the Spirit of Geneva Let us take a look at some of the reasons that the Spirit of Geneva developed here. Without going into a great deal of history, I will mention only a few of the principle milestones contributing to the growth of these values. First among these: the tradition of asylum was established during the Reformation, when the city became a place of refuge for Protestants from Refugee Survey Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 3, 2002. © UNHCR 2002.

(2) Conference Papers p 194 à 198. 29.11.2002. 8:51. Page 195. Refugee Survey Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 3, 2002. 195. all over Europe. The population of the city doubled between 1535 and 1560 as a result of the influx of refugees. Jean Calvin, the head of the church, had a major impact on the city, and the world, with the introduction of his ideas in the 16th century. Even at this early point in Geneva, the importance of helping the persecuted and giving asylum was apparent. Another milestone in the development of the Spirit of Geneva was the enormous influence of the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau in the 18th century and ever since. Rousseau was convinced of the inherent good of man, and of the importance of guaranteeing the dignity of every individual, regardless of position in society. He wrote about the society in Geneva as a model for Europe. He was proud to be a citizen of Geneva, although he was not always appreciated by the local establishment. His writings had a major impact not only on the Genevois, but also throughout Europe. In 1815 the permanent neutrality of Switzerland became internationally accepted. The fact that the Swiss decided to stay out of all future armed conflicts gave a further boost to these humanitarian values. Neutrality made it possible to focus on the humanitarian issues without having to take sides. The modern story of humanitarian values in Geneva starts with Henry Dunant, a Genevois, who sparked interest in humanitarianism in 1863 when he helped set up in Geneva an “International Committee for the Relief of Military Wounded,” which became the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1876. He was inspired after he witnessed the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in 1859. He returned to Geneva with the idea that something had to be done to prevent such atrocities. His idea on the importance of improving conditions for all individuals during wartime was groundbreaking, but reinforced the already existing belief in Geneva in the importance of helping others. The fact that government leaders felt at ease traveling to Geneva to discuss issues of international importance and humanitarianism gave way to the advancement of thinking on the subjects, which in turn led to more dialogue and conferences. The first Geneva Convention on the amelioration of the condition of the wounded in armies of the field was the starting point for other major conventions to follow (in 1929), all with a goal of alleviating the suffering associated with wartime. Finally in 1928 the ICRC’s statutes mandated Geneva as the headquarters of the humanitarian agency. The Red Cross faced its two greatest tests during World War I and World War II. It organized visits to prisoners of war and called for improvements of the conditions of the prisoners. During World War II the ICRC faced the challenging task of ensuring that the conventions were respected. Following the war, the four well-known Geneva conventions were redrafted and adopted in 1949, giving concrete evidence of the degree of the humanitarian commitment by States party. The fact that all this humanitarian action was headquartered in Geneva reinforced the city’s growing role as a humanitarian center..

(3) Conference Papers p 194 à 198. 196. 29.11.2002. 8:51. Page 196. Conference Papers. Following the establishment of the ICRC, the humanitarian values in Geneva led to the establishment of a number of other important international organizations. It was in recognition of Geneva’s unique role that the League of Nations was established here in 1920. This had a major impact on the city, increasing its already international atmosphere. Delegations from all over the globe came for lengthy periods to represent their countries before this new body. The Genevois extended a particularly strong welcoming spirit to their new international visitors. They expressed a genuine interest in their guests and this special welcome allowed these visitors to easily feel at home in this city. When the United Nations headquarters was founded in New York in 1945, Geneva was chosen as the European headquarters of the UN. It could have been instituted in another city, but the decision was made to keep Geneva, and to acknowledge it as an important center. The combination of neutrality, international prestige, and appropriate facilities made it the superior option. The League of Nations and the UN have without a doubt profoundly influenced the increasing international and humanitarian spirit in the city over the course of the 20th century. Other Important Characteristics for the Spirit of Geneva I would also like to mention a number of other factors pertaining to the characteristics of the city of Geneva, in addition to its neutrality, which influenced the development of the Spirit of Geneva. The existence of a just, democratic state that respected human rights also added to the growth of the values associated with the Spirit of Geneva. This in combination with neutrality allowed for the development of the idea of humanity over politics. This is an important feature associated with the Spirit of Geneva. The idea that all deserve to gain from the discussions and negotiations taking place here could not have developed anywhere, but required a level of belief in the equality of mankind. Finally, another element that may have contributed to the development of the Spirit of Geneva was the existence of a multilingual society. The fact that there have been so many languages recognized and used here led to an environment in which individuals were accustomed to accommodating others. This climate encouraged the participation of individuals from many societies and backgrounds in discussions concerning humanitarian issues. Geneva Today Let us now take a brief look at Geneva’s position in the world today. It seems to serve two important roles on the global humanitarian scale: as a major forum for humanitarian issues, and also as the headquarters for humanitarian activity. First, Geneva acts as a center for humanitarian.

(4) Conference Papers p 194 à 198. 29.11.2002. 8:51. Page 197. Refugee Survey Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 3, 2002. 197. conferences and meetings. It is estimated that more than 6,000 international meetings take place here annually, and many of those meetings have a focus on humanitarian issues. In fact, it is estimated that twice as many international conferences are held in the UN offices in Geneva as are held in New York. Geneva’s role as a major forum for humanitarian issues is one reason that makes the city significant on the global scale. Secondly, Geneva today acts as a global center for intensive humanitarian activity. Over the last fifty years, the world has witnessed a great deal of suffering. People, entire communities, around the globe have been exposed to horrible situations and conditions, and have suffered greatly as a result. There are humanitarian organizations (both volunteer and nonvolunteer) that aim to bring help, and many of them carry out their work from here. The city hosts some 245 international organizations, many of them with a humanitarian focus. To name a few humanitarian institutions: the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, as well as International Organization for Migration, the World Health Organization, UN Volunteers Programme, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights, are all headquartered here. There are also numerous NGOs with their main offices here. No other city in the world contains such a concentration of humanitarian work. These organizations have varied tasks in their work, but all with goals of improving conditions for individuals around the world. Some of these responsibilities include: the protection and assistance of refugees and displaced persons, disaster relief, improving health conditions, as well as encouraging individuals to reach out and help others around the globe. All these monumental tasks are discussed, planned, and coordinated from offices in Geneva. The fact that they are all present in Geneva encourages coordination between the agencies, and allows for a synergy to develop, which in turn produces a higher level of activity. The impact of the work carried out here is significant. Staff at headquarters in Geneva travel to and from field offices around the globe, striving to deliver aid and to make a difference. We can see that the values associated with the Spirit of Geneva have been adopted by the international organizations that were established here, as their staff aim to carry out their work according to the principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality. These field workers traveling around the world from Geneva are observed by those in need as credible because they have come from a place where humanitarian values are held as ultimately important. In addition, these field workers are supported by a population that is attached to that same set of values. People around the globe see the UNHCR flag, or the Red Cross Red Crescent flag, and know that these workers are there for their benefit..

(5) Conference Papers p 194 à 198. 198. 29.11.2002. 8:51. Page 198. Conference Papers. The Outlook for the Spirit of Geneva Finally, what lies ahead for the Spirit of Geneva, and for Geneva as the humanitarian center that it has become? In a world of continuing widespread conflicts and violence, it has become clear that humanitarian issues are relevant globally, and that we must continue to uphold these humanitarian values. It is important that we continue to benefit from the abundance of humanitarian spirit found here. As a result of the discussions, negotiations, and fieldwork originating here, we can hope that some of the human suffering can be alleviated, and lives spared. The humanitarian focus that is currently found in Geneva must not be lost. We must, Genevois and newcomers, regularly reaffirm the humanitarian values existing here in order to guarantee that a center remains for the world, a center in which we can continuously strive to find ways to improve conditions for individuals around the globe. Without such a center, we could easily lose the continuity of working on these humanitarian problems, making them more difficult to solve in the long run. In conclusion, it seems to me that reaffirming the importance of the humanitarian values associated with the Spirit of Geneva is essential for maintaining the nature of the work carried out here, and for persevering in the struggle against the suffering that still exists in the world..

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