31st International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Side Event Tuesday, 29 November 2011, 13.3014.

30, Room A, CICG

Protecting Civilians in Armed Conflict: Improving compliance with international norms by armed non-state actors

Background In 2009, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs adopted a Strategy for the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflicts. In line with this Strategy, the Political Affairs Division IV asked the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (The Academy) to consider how best to enhance compliance with international norms by armed non-state actors, taking into account the views of armed non-state actors (ANSAs) themselves and the experiences of those engaged in dialogue with them (particularly states, international organisations, nongovernmental organisations, mediators and other experts)The main objective of the project was to elaborate a document that would serve as a point of reference for states, international organisations, and NGOs in their elaboration of policy regarding humanitarian engagement with ANSAs on compliance with international norms. The project involved the holding of interviews with experts from the field and the organisation of three expert meetings. The first in March 2010 brought together academics and experts from international organisations and NGOs active in protection and relief operations that involve humanitarian engagement with ANSAs. The second meeting was organised in October 2010 with current or former members of ANSAs who could contribute to a better understanding of how to increase ANSA ownership of international norms. The third and final meeting with the participation of selected state representatives was held in May 2011. The Academy will present the main conclusions and recommendations of the project at this Side Event. Printed copies of the final report in English, French, and Spanish will be made available to attendees. The aim of the event is to inform the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, states, and international legal experts of the projects guidance for policymakers on how to improve the protection of civilians in armed conflict through more systematic and effective engagement with ANSAs, even those listed by certain governments as terrorist. Two governmental experts and one non-governmental expert will give their views on the importance and challenges of humanitarian engagement with ANSAs. Panellists Moderator: Professor Andrew Clapham, Director, The Academy Ambassador Claude Wild, Head of Political Division IV - Human Security: Peace, Human Rights, Humanitarian Policy, Migration, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Dr Annyssa Bellal, Research Fellow, The Academy Dr Jesus "Gary" S. Domingo, Minister (Disarmament & Humanitarian Affairs) & Consul General, Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations Salem Jouha, Chief Commander of the Misrata Brigade, Libya