A) Objetivos de la promesa
A growing number of States and non-State actors are developing Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) capabilities for military purposes. The use of ICTs in times of armed conflict has recently seen a significant increase. This development raises concerns as to the implementation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in such circumstances, and therefore calls for further discussions on how to concretely apply IHL to the use of ICTs in situations of armed conflicts.
There is a need to engage in discussions on how IHL applies to ICT operations in situations of armed conflict and the obligations IHL imposes, acknowledging the particularities of the digital domain. This will help to develop common understanding on how to best protect civilians and civilian objects, and to attain clarity on what actions are prohibited or required during armed conflict.
Objective of the pledge is to ensure a broader awareness, dialogue and clarification regarding the application of IHL to the use of ICTs in situations of armed conflict.
B) Plan de acción
Signatories pledge to do one or more of the following actions before the 35th International Conference:
- Engage in discussions on how IHL applies to the use of ICTs in situations of armed conflict, the limits it imposes and how to best protect civilians and civilian objects, acknowledging the particularities of the digital domain;
- Develop or refine and publish national positions on the application of IHL to the use of ICTs;
- Encourage States that have not yet done so, to develop such positions and to provide advice and assistance to these States when requested;
- Continue consulting and engaging with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to further assess and clarify the specific purpose, the technical parameters and feasibility, as well as possible implementation of a digital emblem;
- Raise awareness and understanding of the topics of this pledge in bilateral contacts, multilateral fora, as well as regional and international organizations and highlight its relevance;
- Encourage or task National IHL Committees and similar entities to advise and assist national authorities in implementing and spreading knowledge of this pledge.
C) Indicadores para medir los avances:
- Number of discussions and meetings taking place on how IHL applies to the use of ICTs in situations of armed conflict;
- Number of States having developed and published national positions on the application of IHL to the use of ICTs in situations of armed conflict;
- Number of States and movement components participating in expert meetings, conferences, consultations or technical discussions on the Digital Emblem;
- Number of awareness-raising activities.
D) Recursos requeridos:
N/A