Actions taken:
The European Regional Conference of the National Commissions for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Vienna, held in accordance with the Austrian pledge made at the 33rd International Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference in 2019, took place on March 13-14, 2023 in the National Library, Josefsplatz 1, in cooperation with the Austrian Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The two-day conference included a closed and public conference part with around 80 participants. During the closed conference part, participants were able to exchange ideas on the topics of organization and core work of national IHL commissions; clarification of the fate of missing persons; explosive weapons in populated areas; universal jurisdiction; and humanitarian exceptions to sanctions.
The open conference was entitled “International Humanitarian Law & Technologies”. The conference strengthened the traditionally close relations between Austria and the ICRC and
offered the European national commissions the opportunity to exchange experiences
on the implementation of IHL and to continue strengthening the process of compliance with IHL at regional level.
In addition to the results achieved, the event offered the opportunity for international
exchange and strengthening of networks. In addition, Vienna was strengthened as a venue for conferences.