Foreign Minister opened Jakarta conference on international humanitarian law

Foreign Minister Støre today opened a regional conference in Jakarta on international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. Norway and Indonesia are co-hosting the conference.

“International humanitarian law sets out rules designed to give the greatest possible degree of protection for civilians in situations of armed conflict. However, in today’s conflicts, we see all too often that these rules are violated, and that civilians are harmed. It is therefore positive that Indonesia, as a regional power, is involved in these efforts to enhance the protection of civilians. Providing greater protection of civilians is vital in a number of ongoing conflicts in the region,” Mr Støre commented.

 

The purpose of the conference is to identify the main reasons for civilians being affected by  today’s conflicts, and measures for reducing the harmful effects of armed conflict on civilians. Questions concerning the interpretation of international humanitarian law will also be examined, for instance, who can be said to be participating directly in the hostilities? Where should the line be drawn when distinguishing between combatants and civilians? How can we assess proportionality in combat situations? How do we strike a balance between civilian losses and military necessity in today’s conflicts?

The two-day conference is part of an international process seeking to reclaim the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. Participants include representatives of European and Asian countries, the UN, academia, and civil society in South East Asia.