Brunei Darussalam
1. Constitutional structure and position of IHL in domestic law
Brunei was a British protectorate from 1888 to 1959. Great Britain remained responsible for defence and foreign affairs until 1971, when it agreed no longer to have a say in Brunei's internal affairs but retained joint responsibility with the Sultanate’s Government for external affairs. Brunei attained full political independence in 1984, taking responsibility for its own defence and foreign relations. It became a member of the United Nations the same year.
Under the 1959 Constitution, the Sultan is the head of State with full executive authority. He is assisted and advised by the Privy Council, the Council of Ministers (the Cabinet) and the Legislative Council. The latter has authority under the Constitution to oversee legislation, but it has not met in recent years. Legislation is enacted by royal proclamation. The legal system is based on English common law.
Brunei acceded to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and to both Additional Protocols on 14 October 1991.
