On Belarus’ participation in the Fourth round of the Intergovernmental Process on Strengthening Respect for IHL
17.05.2018On May 14-16, 2018, the delegation of Belarus took part in the Fourth Round of the Intergovernmental Process on Strengthening Respect for International Humanitarian Law.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a branch of international law, which seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict by protecting persons who are not participating in hostilities, and by restricting and regulating the means and methods of warfare available to combatants.
The intergovernmental process was established by resolution of the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in 2015 to find ways of strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law, including through regular and open dialogue between States on IHL.
Delegations discussed possible elements for developing certain steps forward to establish mechanisms to strengthen compliance with IHL rules.
At the general debate the Permanent Representative of Belarus in Geneva Yury Ambrazevich noted that the main element — the need to ensure compliance with IHL norms — has already been agreed by the States.
Yury Ambrazevich outlined that in the vision of Belarus the mechanism should be state-driven, non-politicized, transparent and consensus-based to ensure the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.
The Belarusian representative noted the readiness for broad cooperation with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and our desire to maximally facilitate the development of mutually acceptable solutions on strengthening the mechanism of compliance with the IHL rules.
