On 9 June 2026, the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission (IHFFC) marked the 35th anniversary of its establishment at a reception hosted by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Geneva.
The event, which has been organized in the margin of the Annual Meeting of the Commission, brought together representatives of States, international organizations, and other partners engaged in the promotion and implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL). It provided an opportunity to reflect on the Commission’s unique mandate under Article 90 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions and on its continuing relevance in today’s international environment.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Ms Laetitia Kirianoff Crimmins, Head of Humanitarian Affairs at the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. The participants also heard addresses from Mr Thilo Marauhn, President of the IHFFC, and Ambassador Sandra Lendenmann, Secretary of the Commission.
The anniversary offered an occasion to highlight the Commission’s role as the only permanent treaty-based body mandated to enquire into facts relating to alleged violations of international humanitarian law and to facilitate, through its good offices, the restoration of respect for IHL.
Established in 1991 and seated in Bern, Switzerland, the IHFFC stands ready to support parties restoring an attitude of respect for international humanitarian law. The Commission looks forward to continuing its engagement with States and partners in the years ahead, including in the context of the next election of Commission members, which will take place on 20 November 2026 in Bern.
