Monaco promotes international humanitarian law and renews funding agreement with San Remo International Institute of Humanitarian Law

© Manuel Vitali - Direction de la Communication

On 27 October 2021, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Laurent Anselmi met with representatives from the San Remo International Institute of Humanitarian Law: Edoardo Greppi, Professor of International Law and International Humanitarian Law (University of Turin) and President of the Institute, Stefania Baldini, Secretary-General, and Gian Luca Beruto, Deputy Secretary-General.

The meeting was in line with Monaco’s commitment to promoting the values of peace and humanism and a clear understanding of the international instruments for preserving basic human rights.

The discussions covered the challenges associated with respect for international humanitarian law in light of the threats and violations that have been observed, with the use of new technology raising, among other things, questions regarding the interpretation of existing law.

To increase acceptance of the law by combatants and improve enforcement on the ground, Monaco intends to contribute to efforts to spread knowledge of international humanitarian law by disseminating the rules and promoting dialogue and sharing of best practice. To this end, the partnership which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation established with the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in 2020 was renewed for 2022–2023.

Through this agreement, the Principality provides funding for the Institute’s teaching activities and awards study grants to soldiers, government officials, diplomats, experts and students. In support of Monaco’s international solidarity policy, these grants are aimed at nationals of developing countries, particularly the partner countries for Monaco’s official development assistance.

International humanitarian law is one of the foundations of the post-Second World War international order based on the principles and values in the United Nations Charter. In countries beset by severe crises and conflicts, the four Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and other relevant international instruments, notably the Additional Protocols of 8 June 1977, guarantee protection for the life and dignity of combatants, civilians and humanitarian missions.

On the seventieth anniversary of the adoption of these Conventions, the Prince’s Government renewed its commitment to promoting this branch of international law by joining the Humanitarian Call for Action as part of the Alliance for Multilateralism.

About:

Laurent Anselmi was accompanied by Diplomatic Advisor Marie-Noëlle Albertini and Project Leader Wilfrid Deri.

The San Remo International Institute of Humanitarian Law is an independent, non-profit organisation with a mission to educate. It has an advisory status and works with several international organisations, including within the United Nations System. The Institute delivers training courses on international humanitarian law, human rights, international law on displaced persons, and international criminal justice.