Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has issued a stark warning about the escalating number and complexity of global conflicts, urging renewed respect for international humanitarian law amid what she describes as a “decade of war.” Since assuming leadership of the ICRC in 2022, Spoljaric has traveled extensively to active conflict zones, including Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, and Mali, engaging with both government officials and armed groups.

The ICRC, distinct from national Red Cross societies focused on domestic disaster relief, serves as the neutral guardian of the Geneva Conventions. These treaties, designed after World War II, set rules intended to limit the impact of war on civilians and combatants. Spoljaric emphasized the treaties’ continued relevance in today’s multifaceted conflicts and expressed concern that many global leaders are dismissing or disregarding these rules in pursuit of “total victory,” a concept she argues is historically unattainable and only fuels unnecessary death and destruction.

“People need to understand the importance of the rules of war and why they need to be respected,” Spoljaric said, noting that violations have become more frequent as conflicts intensify. She challenged the notion of “necessary war,” calling war itself inherently destructive and cautioning against the dangerous trend of leaders using ongoing conflict to consolidate power rather than achieve defined political objectives.

According to the ICRC’s latest assessments, the world currently faces roughly 130 active international and internal armed conflicts, double the number recorded 15 years ago—the highest level since World War II. In light of this, some observers have speculated whether a new global conflict akin to a third world war is underway. While Spoljaric refrained from definitive conclusions, she acknowledged that history often recognizes such moments only in retrospect.

During her visits to Gaza amid ongoing military operations, the ICRC facilitated the release and repatriation of hostages and Palestinian detainees. She described the human toll in the territory as grim, with widespread suffering among civilians, including children who have lost family members or suffered severe injuries. These humanitarian observations ground her advocacy when addressing those in power, providing firsthand insight into the consequences of sustained violence.

Spoljaric expressed frustration at what she perceives as global indifference toward human suffering. “Many world leaders simply don’t care anymore,” she said. “And this lack of empathy... is what I find most dangerous at the moment.” Her comments underscore ongoing challenges faced by the ICRC as it navigates politically sensitive environments to deliver aid and uphold humanitarian principles in some of the world’s most volatile regions.