Dozens of states seeking better protection for victims of conflict

States that took part in recent IHL discussions said they were "concerned about persistent violations of IHL". Keystone-SDA

In recent consultations, more than 130 states stressed the importance of honouring international humanitarian law (IHL), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said in Geneva on Thursday.

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Last year, six countries launched a two-year global initiative to strengthen IHL. In an interim report, the ICRC noted that those who subsequently took part in the discussions said they were “concerned about persistent violations of IHL”.

They reaffirmed that IHL is the “only possible way” to deal with the suffering caused by conflicts. They admitted that if they were to abandon the protective framework provided by IHL, they would only “increase impunity” for those responsible for violations.

The participating states, including Switzerland, also added that they have an individual and collective responsibility to ensure that IHL is honoured by each and every one of them. They endorsed a request, made by ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric when the initiative was launched, to make this issue a major political undertaking. But IHL must not be “politicised”, the ICRC chief pointed out in the report.

The states added that efforts and resources must be invested in the practical application of this commitment at all levels, especially in discussions and national legislation.

Support from dozens of states

States must themselves respond to violations of IHL at home. They believe that national systems must allow for the investigation, prosecution and punishment of those who perpetrate abuses, the report stated.

Consultations will continue in seven working groups. Switzerland co-chairs the working group on IHL and new technologies. Spoljaric reiterated that the Geneva Conventions remain “robust” and “relevant” in the face of cyber-warfare.

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In addition, she said, “there is an urgent need to safeguard public infrastructures” such as hospitals, which are often targeted in conflicts. The states are also examining the possibilities for IHL to contribute to reconciliation and peace.

Switzerland was not one of the six countries that launched the initiative, but was quick to join in, as were the 85 or so countries that now support it. A high-level meeting is planned in a year’s time at the end of the discussions.

Translated from French by DeepL/gw

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