11 December 2019, 13:00-13:45
Event
Launch in Geneva at the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
Investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) by the parties to an armed conflict are not only crucial to securing respect for IHL, but also to preventing future violations and enabling redress for victims of past violations. Despite the unquestionable importance of investigations, there is a lack of detail with regard to the international law, principles and standards relevant to investigations in armed conflicts. This is further reflected in the disparate practice across states in the way investigations are carried out.
This event, hosted by the Geneva Academy and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) during the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, will serve to present and discuss the Guidelines on Investigating Violations of International Humanitarian Law: Law, Policy, and Good Practice.
The first document of its kind, published by the Geneva Academy and the ICRC in this area addresses, among other things, when an investigation should be triggered, the different types of investigations, and the international principles and standards necessary for an effective investigation in armed conflict. The text presents a broad framework for the conduct of investigations, while taking into account the diverse legal and military systems that exist, as well as the legal and practical challenges that can arise.
The Guidelines are the result of a five-year project initiated in 2014. The resulting publication is based on extensive research and is also informed by a series of expert workshops and engagement with stakeholders. The 16 Guidelines are each accompanied by a detailed commentary and provide guidance on the different aspects of investigations into violations of IHL, from the early stages of recording information and identifying the incidents that require investigation, through to the structural and procedural aspects of investigative bodies.
These Guidelines should be an essential tool not only for states aiming to conduct investigations of IHL violations in compliance with international law but also for other actors seeking a more detailed understanding of investigations in armed conflict.
Marco Sassòli, Director of the Geneva Academy and Professor of International Law, University of Geneva
This event forms part of the RedTalk Programme of the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. It is therefore only open to those with accreditation to the Conference.
News
Eliška Mocková graduated from our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in 2019 and currently works for the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, in one of its field offices.
News
Anastasiya Marchuk is the Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Office in Odesa, Ukraine. She is currently enrolled in our Executive Master in International Law in Armed Conflict and follows the programme online.
Short Course
ICC/CPI
This short course, which can be followed in Geneva or online, examines and discusses the main criminal jurisdictions fostering individual legal accountability for international crimes.
Short Course
ICRC
This short course, which can be followed in Geneva or online, will cover the ‘nuts and bolts’ of implementation, including national legislation, dissemination and training, and discuss the mechanisms such as the International Fact-Finding Commission, as set out in the treaties.
Project
Shutterstock
This project will explore humanitarian consequences and protection needs caused by the digitalization of armed conflicts and the extent to which these needs are addressed by international law, especially international humanitarian law.
Project
The Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts project (RULAC) is a unique online portal that identifies and classifies all situations of armed violence that amount to an armed conflict under international humanitarian law (IHL). It is primarily a legal reference source for a broad audience, including non-specialists, interested in issues surrounding the classification of armed conflicts under IHL.
Publication
Publication
Geneva Academy