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Roundup: No agreement on IHL compliance as RCRC Int'l Conference ends

Xinhua, December 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Peter Maurer expressed on Thursday his disappointment that states could not reach an agreement on the adoption of a new mechanism strengthening the compliance of international humanitarian law (IHL).

In a statement issued on the third and final day of the Red Cross and Red Crescent's (RCRC) 32nd International Conference, Maurer said "it is disappointing that States could not agree on the original proposal, which addressed all the concerns raised during the consultation process."

The new mechanism had included setting-up an annual meeting of states party to the Geneva Conventions so that countries could share best practices and technical expertise in an apolitical environment.

"International humanitarian law is flouted almost every day, in every conflict around the world. By failing to support this initiative, States missed an opportunity to help to protect millions of people," Maurer added.

Though no consensus was reached on the mechanism put forward by ICRC and the Swiss government, States did agree to instigate an inter-governmental process to adopt measures enhancing the implementation of IHL.

ICRC indicated that the procedure's outcome should be presented at the next International Conference in 2019.

"It is the responsibility of States to respect and ensure respect for the law of war. We therefore urge them to use the existing compliance mechanisms to their full potential," said Maurer.

Despite the setback, a resolution seeking to improve the protection of those detained in non-international armed conflicts was adopted, ensuring the equal status of all people detained in conflict situations.

The International Conference, held from Dec. 8 to Dec. 10, is a unique global forum bringing together the leaders from over 190 State Parties to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Key discussions included the challenges and opportunities in a fast changing humanitarian landscape, healthcare in danger, migration, protracted crises and resilience building in conflict, respect for international humanitarian law and humanitarian financing. Endit