A) Objectives of the pledge:
Unfortunately, we live in a time when the world is faced with numerous conflicts around the world, in which humanitarian law is often neglected, violated, and even used as a tactical instrument of warfare. Recognizing the importance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in mitigating human suffering during armed conflicts, and acknowledging the necessity of its effective implementation at the national level, Montenegro pledges to take concrete steps towards enhancing the dissemination, integration, and implemenation of IHL at the national level.
Considering the wide range of issues involving IHL, the comprehensive implementation of its rules requires coordination and support from all government and other relevant authorities. Montenegro has become the 120th country to establish a Commission for Humanitarian Law, demonstrating its commitment and determination to promote, disseminate and ensure compliance with IHL.
B) Action plan:
The Government of Montenegro and the Red Cross of Montenegro, united in their dedication to promoting International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and strengthen its national implementation, through the activities of the Commission for Humanitarian Law supported by the relevant public authorities, pledge to carry out the activities outlined below.
- Legal Framework
- Evaluate Montenegro’s membership status in international treaties in the field of IHL to ensure that the country is a party to all relevant international instruments.
- Conduct analysis and strengthen the national legal framework for the implementation of IHL.
- Prepare the Law Proposal on the Ratification of the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions of 2005.
- Education
- Consider and undertake educational initiatives to promote knowledge of IHL among primary and secondary school students, as well as adults, and provide recommendations for their implementation.
- Prepare and publish handbooks, publications, and other educational and awareness-raising materials to support the dissemination of knowledge on IHL.
- Organize at least three educational workshops or roundtables on IHL.
- Institutional Capacities
- Develop operational guidelines and procedures for the implementation of IHL rules, with a particular focus on the security and healthcare sectors.
- International Cooperation and Implementation of International Commitments
- Engage constructively within the United Nations and other international organizations or mechanisms in activities aimed at strengthening respect for IHL in international affairs and advancing its progressive development.
- Exchange experiences and foster cooperation with national IHL commissions of other countries.
- Maintain continuous communication with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on current issues in the field of IHL.
C) Indicators for measuring progress:
-
- Number of accessions to IHL instruments.
- Level of engagement in non-binding international initiatives related to IHL.
- Number of workshops and roundtables organized on the topic of IHL.
- Number of recommendations issued for the development of operational guidelines and procedures to implement IHL rules.
- Number of operational guidelines and procedures developed for the implementation of IHL rules.
- Number of publications and other relevant materials produced for the dissemination of IHL.
D) Resource implications:
The Government of Montenegro and the Red Cross of Montenegro, will allocate the necessary resources for implementing this pledge.
By committing to these actions, the Government of Montenegro and the Red Cross of Montenegro, reaffirm their common and firm dedication to upholding and promoting International Humanitarian Law.
