Strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL): The work of the ICRC and the Swiss government.
21-04-2015
Insufficient respect for applicable rules is the principal cause of suffering during armed conflicts. The ICRC and the Swiss government are currently undertaking a major consultation process on how to improve compliance with IHL by developing stronger international mechanisms.
What is this initiative?
The ICRC and the Swiss government are undertaking consultation and research on possible ways to improve compliance with IHL through the establishment of more effective international mechanisms.
Fact sheet – Initiative on Strengthening Compliance with IHL (also available in Arabic, French, German, Italian and Spanish)
Why the focus on compliance with IHL?
Unfortunately, IHL continues to be violated frequently by both States and non-State armed groups. If IHL was better respected, there would be less suffering. At present, for example, IHL lacks effective means of identifying, preventing and halting violations while they are occurring. The mechanisms within IHL that do exist are rarely, if ever used. Moreover, they are only applicable in international armed conflict, whereas the majority of conflicts are now non-international.
The consultation process so far
Pursuant to Resolution 1 of the 31st International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (2011), the ICRC and the Swiss government are facilitating consultations with States and other relevant actors. This has involved bilateral and multilateral meetings, including:
- Fourth Meeting of all States, Geneva, 23-24 April 2015 The last meeting in the consultation process facilitated by the ICRC and Switzerland pursuant to Resolution 1
Background document
Statement by Peter Maurer, President of the ICRC
News release, 24.04.2015 - Preparatory discussion on Strengthening Compliance with IHL, 1-2 December 2014
Background Document
Chair's conclusion's - Third Meeting of States on Strengthening Compliance with IHL, 30June and 1 July 2014
Background document
Opening speech, ICRC President, Peter Maurer
Opening speech, President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr Didier Burkhalter
Chair's conclusions - Preparatory Discussion on Strengthening Compliance with IHL, April 2014
Background document
Chairs' conclusions - Preparatory discussion on Strengthening compliance with IHL, December 2013
Background document
Chairs’ conclusions - Second Meeting of States on Strengthening Compliance with IHL, June 2013
Background document;
Opening speech, ICRC President, Peter Maurer
Opening speech, Swiss Federal Councillor, Mr Didier Burkhalter,
Chairs' conclusions - Meeting with a group of States, April 2013
Background document
Chairs' conclusions - Meeting with a group of States, November 2012
Background document
Chairs' conclusions - Initial informal Meeting of States on Strengthening Compliance with IHL, July 2012
Concluding remarks,
Background document
Next steps
- The Fourth Meeting of all States (April 2015) will be complemented by bilateral and other consultations with States and other relevant actors.
- Taking into account all the consultations between 2012 and 2015, the ICRC will submit to the 32nd International Conference a concluding report presenting options and recommendations for the way forward, together with a draft resolution.
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