Iran: Conference marks Farsi translation of customary international humanitarian law study

The study, which was the product of eight years of research and legal consultation across the world, was translated into Farsi by the Iranian judiciary and the ICRC.

During the conference, Iranian scholars and international experts from universities and the ICRC discussed the background of the study and custom as a source of international law. Among the topics covered were customary rules relating to the conduct of hostilities and to the treatment of people deprived of freedom. Challenges facing the enforcement of international humanitarian law were also discussed, as were ways to implement and promote customary rules.

There was general agreement among Iranian experts on the binding nature of the rules of customary international humanitarian law. Several speakers made the point that Iran, owing to its history, religious traditions and culture, is particularly well disposed to acknowledge and adopt rules based on custom.

" What has been achieved in recent years in cooperation with governmental and non-governmental institutions, academic circles and religious institutions in Iran makes it clear that Islam approves of practices corresponding to those allowed under international humanitarian law, " said Peter G. Stocker, the head of the ICRC mission in Iran. " This is simply because such practices comply with Fiq-based and Islamic rules, " he concluded.

Similar events have already taken place in Geneva, Beijing, London, Moscow, Paris, Washington, Addis Ababa, Cairo and Ankara.