A) Objectives of the pledge:
The Nordic Governments and the National Red Cross Societies of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden have a long engagement in issues concerning protection of the environment in contemporary armed conflicts. They have consistently stressed that armed conflicts may cause serious damage to the environment and have severe and long-lasting consequences both to the nature and to populations that depend on it. Protection of the environment is necessary to effectively protect civilian population in times of armed conflict. Environmental effects of armed conflict also continue to be felt in its aftermath, sometimes for decades or longer, and timely action to address them may prevent greater harm and facilitate the transition to a sustainable peace.
Recent developments, in particular the issuance of the ICRC Guidelines on the Protection of the Natural Environment in Armed Conflict and the adoption of the International Law Commission’s principles on Protection of the Environment in relation to Armed Conflicts, have clarified how international law protects the environment in and in relation to armed conflict. This pledge aims at increasing awareness of this protection and contributing to the implementation of the relevant legal obligations and recommendations.
The Nordic Governments and the National Red Cross Societies of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are aware that operational humanitarian response in armed conflict and in conflict-affected areas may have a negative impact on the environment. It is therefore necessary to consider the environmental consequences of humanitarian operations and to seek to adapt the operations to better protect the environment.
The Governments of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and the respective National Red Cross Societies, according to their respective competences, hereby pledge:
- To support both nationally and in relevant international contexts the dissemination of IHL and other relevant international law related to environmental protection in conflict-affected areas.
- To promote a green humanitarian response including by ensuring that environmental and climate-related considerations are taken into account in operational humanitarian response.
B) Action plan:
- Use national and international fora, platforms and initiatives to increase awareness of international law protecting the environment in areas affected by armed conflict and promote its implementation.
- Support choosing, whenever possible, sustainable and more environmentally friendly solutions for humanitarian operations.
C) Indicators for measuring progress:
- Number of Nordic or national statements or other actions taken to promote IHL and other relevant international law protecting the environment in and in relation to armed conflict.
- Number of measures taken to promote environmental sustainability in humanitarian activities.
D) Resource implications:
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