The Republic of Estonia recognises the competence of the IHFFC [20/02/2009]
On 20 February 2009, the Government of the Republic of Estonia recognised the competence of the IHFFC. Estonia is the 71st State to have done so.
· 16 February 2009
Presentation of the IHFFC before the African Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to the UN in Geneva [16/02/2009]
At the occasion of a meeting of all Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to the UN from African States in Geneva on 16 January 2009, Prof. Michael Bothe, President of the IHFFC, had the opportunity to speak about the IHFFC. He presented the IHFFC and underlined the role it can play in international dispute settlement as well as in the implementation of international humanitarian law.
Read the presentation of Prof. Michael Bothe.
· 13 February 2009
Annual Meeting 2009 Press release [13/02/2009]
The International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission completed its Annual Meeting in Geneva on the 13th of February. The Commission is established pursuant to the First Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions for the protection of the victims of armed conflicts. Its statutory function is to conduct inquiries where there are allegations of violations of the Conventions and the Protocol. In fulfilling the role entrusted to it by the Protocol, it has reviewed current armed conflicts and noted with regret and dismay the numerous allegations of violations of international humanitarian law. The Commission reiterates its conviction that the clarification of the facts concerning alleged violations of the law remains necessary, would contribute to a restoration of respect for international humanitarian law and could be conducive to the re-establishment of confidence between the parties. Thus, such clarification would facilitate the return to peace. The Commission reminds all actors concerned that it is at their disposal to fulfil this important humanitarian task.
· 23 October 2008
Statement of the President of the IHFFC at a side-event to the meeting of the 6th Committee of the UN General Assembly in New York [23/10/2008]
On the occasion of the debate of the 6th Committee of the UN General Assembly on the status of the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions the President, Prof. Michael Bothe, and the Vice-President, Prof. Jeannette Irigoin-Barrenne, took the opportunity to present the IHFFC and its recent activities and reflections in a side-event to the discussion of the 6th Committee.
Read the statement of Prof. Michael Bothe.
· 01 September 2008
Participation of the IHFFC to the conference entitled "Promoting Compliance with International Humanitarian Law: A Major Challenge, A Global Responsability" [01/09/2008]
The IHFFC, represented by Prof. Elzbieta Mikos-Skuza, 3rd Vice-President, will participate to the conference entitled "Promoting Compliance with International Humanitarian Law: A Major Challenge, A Global Responsability" which will take place in the European Parliament in Brussels on 16 September 2008. The objective of the conference is to raise broad awareness about ongoing IHL violations and to discuss what more can be done to promote compliance with IHL. The IHFFC is pleased to be able to contribute to this aim.
· 27 February 2008
Election of a new Member [27/02/2008]
At the occasion of their annual meeting from 27 to 29 February 2008 and pursuant to Article 90, Paragraph 1 (e), of Protocol I the Members of the IHFFC have elected General Jose Louis Rasamoelina from Madagascar as its new Member in replacement of the late Reinaldo Botero Bedoya.
General Rasamoelina is a jurist and a military officer in the Madagascan Armed Forces.
· 01 February 2008
Death of Dr. Reinaldo Botero Bedoya, Member of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission [01/02/2008]
The International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of its member Dr. Reinaldo Botero Bedoya on 21 January 2008.
Dr. Reinaldo Botero Bedoya was a Colombian national. In 2006 he was elected to the Commission by the States parties to the 1st Protocol to the Geneva Convention which have recognised the competence of the Commission.
The death of Dr. Reinaldo Botero Bedoya deprives the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission of an outstanding fighter for human rights. His tireless activity on behalf of human rights and against impunity was greatly appreciated by all his colleagues.
The members of the Commission express their sincere condolences to his family and friends.
· 28 November 2007
IHFFC side-event to the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Geneva with Professor Louise Doswald-Beck [28/11/2007]
On the occasion of the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Geneva at the end of November 2007, the IHFFC organised a side-event on Fact-Finding as a Means to Better Implement IHL: Current Issues. The IHFFC was delighted to welcome Louise Doswald-Beck, professor and director at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (ADH) and board member of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), who shared her valuable knowledge on this topic with the audience.
Mrs. Doswald-Beck participated in the ICJ fact-finding mission in the recent conflict between Lebanon and Israel. She was therefore able to give practical examples of basic problems arising in the context of a fact-finding mission, such as the legal classification of a conflict, the security of a mission, the handling of evidence, and dealing with witnesses.
Her comments were followed by an animated discussion on these issues.
· 26 October 2007
The Principality of Monaco recognises the competence of the IHFFC [26/10/2007]
On 26 October 2007, the Government of the Principality of Monaco recognised the competence of the IHFFC. The Principality of Monaco is the 70th State to have done so.
· 23 October 2007
Participation of the IHFFC to the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Geneva and Side Event [23/10/2007]
The IHFFC will participate, in the capacity as observer, to the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which will take place in Geneva from 26 - 30 November 2007
On the occasion of this Conference the IHFFC will organize a Side-Event on Wednesday, 28 November 2007, from 13.00 - 14.00 in the CICG in Geneva (room 15) to which all delegates will be invited.
The topic of the Side-Event will be: Fact-finding as a mean to better implement IHL: current issues. The IHFFC is delighted to announce that Lt. General Satish Nambiar from India will be the IHFFC's special guest at this event. Mr. Nambiar is a worldwide known expert in the field of military law and recently acted as chair of the Legal Expert Inquiry established by the International Commission of Jurists concerning possible violations of international humanitarian law during the hostilities in Israel and Lebanon. He will share some of his experience at this Side-Event.
3003 Bern