1. Constitutional structure and position of IHL in domestic law
According to Article 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, adopted on 24 November 1996, Belarus is a unitary, democratic, social State based on the rule of law. Article 8 further stipulates that Belarus recognizes the primacy of the universally acknowledged principles of international law and shall ensure that its laws comply with those principles. The conclusion of international agreements that are contrary to the Constitution is not permitted.
The Republic of Belarus signed the four Geneva Conventions on 12 December 1949 and ratified them on 03 August 1954; it made a number of reservations on signature and maintained them on ratification. The Additional Protocols were signed on 12 December 1977 and ratified on 23 October 1989. Belarus made the declaration provided for in Article 90 of Additional Protocol I on 23 October 1989.
2. Implementing institution
The Commission for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law was established in December 1997. The Commission is attached to the Council of Ministers and is presided over by the Deputy Prime Minister. It comprises representatives of the ministries concerned.
