UK National Committee on International Humanitarian Law: terms of reference
Updated 17 May 2023
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The promotion and full implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL) is a high priority for the United Kingdom. Implementation and promotion of IHL is complementary to the government’s emphasis on human rights. The creation of national committees was one of the recommendations of the Inter-governmental Group of Experts on the Protection of War Victims and was subsequently endorsed by the 26th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in 1995.
The United Kingdom participated in both the Group of Experts and in the 26th Conference and supported the adoption of these recommendations. The United Kingdom National Committee was established on 19 October 1999 (formally known as the Interdepartmental Committee on International Humanitarian Law).
Composition of the Committee
- Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Justice
- Attorney General’s Office
- Home Office
- Department for Education
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
- Department for Transport
- Department for Business & Trade
- Department of Health & Social Care
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Department for Culture, Media & Sport
- Cabinet Office
- Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
- Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities
- Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
- HM Treasury
- Armed Forces
Scotland
- Scotland Office
- Office of the Advocate General for Scotland
- Scottish government
Wales
National Assembly for Wales
Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland Office
- Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
Other organisations: British Red Cross
The site and level of representation from each government Department at National Committee meetings depends upon the subjects under discussion. Meetings are attended by both administrators and lawyers in order to reflect the policy and legal aspects of the Committee’s work. The British Red Cross is a full member of the Committee. Contact with other organisations and individuals outside government is on an ad hoc basis.
Purpose of Committee
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considering national implementation of IHL instruments and identifying where legislation might need to be enacted or amended to ensure full implementation of IHL obligations
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encouraging the dissemination of IHL to the Armed Forces and to other segments of the population, including the police, civil servants, teachers, the judiciary, the medical profession and journalists
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considering UK negotiation of and adherence to IHL treaties
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considering UK participation at international conferences relating to IHL
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monitoring new developments in IHL and considering implications for the UK
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promoting consultation between the government, the British Red Cross and others from the NGO community involved in IHL
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considering assistance to other States in meeting IHL obligations, drawing on UK expertise
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achieving greater domestic and international recognition for what is being done
The Committee sets up sub-committees to meet as and when necessary but meets in full Committee at least annually.