Strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law: The work of the ICRC and the Swiss government (2015-2019)
Following a resolution adopted by the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, between 2015 and 2019 Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) jointly conducted an intergovernmental process aimed at improving compliance with IHL. The main objective was to reach consensus on the establishment of a forum for dialogue among States on IHL, and on ways to make better use of the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent as well as regional forums. In the current multilateral environment, the intergovernmental process was not able to reach consensus. Nevertheless, the process did underline the universal validity of IHL. Furthermore, a wide range of ideas on how to improve the implementation of international humanitarian law were put forward, which can be further pursued.
Documents from the Intergovernmental Process on Strengthening Respect for international humanitarian law (2015-2019)
First Formal Meeting Geneva, 28-29 November 2016, Background note
First Formal Meeting Geneva, 28-29 November 2016, Factual summary
ICRC Report on Existing mechanisms, processes and initiatives dealing with IHL, 13 March 2017
Second Formal Meeting Geneva, 10-12 April 2017, Background Document: Features and Functions of a Potential Forum of States
Second Formal Meeting Geneva, 10-12 April 2017, Factual summary
Third Formal Meeting Geneva, 4-6 December 2017 Background Document on the International Conference of the RCRC ...
Third Formal Meeting Geneva, 4-6 December 2017, Factual summary
Fourth Formal Meeting Geneva, 14-16 May 2018, Discussion paper on converging elements
Fourth Formal Meeting Geneva, 14-16 May 2018, Factual summary
Fifth Formal Meeting Geneva, 3-5 December 2018, Discussion paper
Fifth Formal Meeting Geneva, 3-5 December 2018, Factual summary
Factual Report on the Proceedings of the Intergovernmental Process on Strengthening Respect for IHL