A) Objectifs de l’engagement
Protecting people in armed conflict is at the core of international humanitarian law (IHL). Grave violations of IHL in past and recent times have resulted in catastrophic humanitarian consequences for persons affected. The problem of preserving human life and dignity during armed conflict does not stem from the lack of rules governing warfare, but from the failure to respect them. A discrepancy between the universal commitment to IHL and the respect for its rules during armed conflict is not acceptable. IHL cannot and should not be perceived as an instrument that can be abandoned. It is crucial that all States enhance their advocacy efforts to demand full compliance with IHL to ensure protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflict, including urban warfare. National implementation of IHL obligations, along with greater expertise and increased dissemination of the law, is crucial for the protection of civilians and their environment in all situations of armed conflict.
B) Plan d’action
For the years of 2024-2028, the Icelandic Government and the Icelandic Red Cross hereby pledge:
- To actively promote respect and demand full compliance with IHL by States and non-State armed groups in armed conflict, in order to protect all civilians and non-combatants without discrimination of any kind, with special attention to groups living with compounded vulnerabilities, including all gender identities, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
- To actively promote the Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA) Declaration in international fora, pursue its adoption and effective implementation by all Sates and seek adherence to its commitments by all parties to armed conflict, including non-State armed groups.
- To advocate, at every opportunity in international fora, for the implementation of provisions of IHL into domestic legislation, in particular, the review, development or improvement of national policy and practice relating to the protection of civilians during armed conflict.
- To support the dissemination of IHL, both internationally and domestically, especially within government and academic community by supporting both professionals, scholars and students by creating interest and expertise in IHL that can benefit universal respect for and compliance with IHL.
C) Indicateurs permettant de mesurer les avancées:
Evaluation criteria:
- Examples of actions taken in international fora to actively promote respect for IHL and demand its full compliance in armed conflict.
- Examples of active promotion of the Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA) Declaration.
- Examples and good practices of national implementation taken in accordance with IHL obligations by the Icelandic Government.
- Number of IHL dissemination sessions for all Ministries and other key institutions in Iceland jointly organized by the Icelandic Red Cross and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
- Participation in a rotating Nordic IHL Symposium jointly organised by the Government of the five Nordic countries and the respective National Red Cross societies.
D) Ressources nécessaires:
N/A