The Guidelines on Investigating Violations of IHL are now available in Arabic, French, Spanish and Russian

14 January 2021

The Guidelines on Investigating Violations of International Humanitarian Law: Law, Policy and Good Practice – co-published with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – are now also available in Arabic, French, Spanish and Russian.

‘These guidelines – the first document of its kind – provide key guidance to States aiming to conduct investigations of international humanitarian law (IHL) violations, but also to other bodies and individuals seeking a more detailed understanding of investigations in armed conflict. The fact that they are now available in five different languages will allow for their further dissemination and use in the field’ underlines Professor Gloria Gaggioli, Director of the Geneva Academy.

‘Effective investigations by States at the domestic level are an unparalleled tool for securing better compliance with IHL on the ground, where it matters most’ notes Dr Helen Durham, Director of International Law and Policy at the ICRC. ‘The ICRC is pleased to have collaborated with the Geneva Academy on this project and to have been able to provide different language editions of the Guidelines, which will help raise awareness of this important issue and increase the impact and application’.

About the Guidelines

Investigations into alleged violations of IHL by the parties to an armed conflict are not only crucial to securing respect for IHL, but also to preventing future violations and enabling redress for victims of past violations. Despite the unquestionable importance of investigations, there is a lack of detail with regard to the international law, principles and standards relevant to investigations in armed conflicts. This is further reflected in the disparate practice across states in the way investigations are carried out.

The Guidelines on Investigating Violations of IHL: Law, Policy, and Good Practice aim to bring much-needed clarity and support for the conduct of effective investigations into violations of IHL.

The Guidelines are the result of a five-year project, initiated in 2014 by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and joined in 2017 by the ICRC. The project was conducted by the former IHL Chair of the Geneva Academy, Professor Noam Lubell, Jelena Pejic, Senior Legal Adviser at the ICRC and Claire Simmons.

‘We value very much this collaboration with the ICRC which was instrumental in the development of this key document as well as in its dissemination with relevant stakeholders’ stresses Professor Gloria Gaggioli.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

News

New Podcast: The Geneva Conventions on Trial

21 November 2024

A new episode of our podcast 'In and Around War(s)' with the theme 'The Geneva Conventions on Trial' has just been released.

Read more

ukraine conflict News

New Research Brief examines the transitional justice initiatives currently unfolding in Ukraine

7 October 2024

Our latest research brief, 'Navigating Pathways Toward Transitional Justice in Ukraine' examines the initiatives currently unfolding in Ukraine and assesses how they can lead to a holistic transitional justice process.

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

Yemen,  Sana'a, Faj Attan district. Destruction. Short Course

The Rules Governing the Use of Force in International Law

9-17 April 2025

This online short course provides an overview of the content and evolution of the rules governing the use of unilateral force in international law, including military intervention on humanitarian grounds and the fight against international terrorism. It focuses on the practice of states and international organizations.

Read more

Afghanistan, Parwan detention facility. Inside a room where detainees of the prison, separated by an acrylic glass, are allowed to meet with their families a couple of times per year with the help of the ICRC employees who facilitate the programme. Short Course

Preventing and Combating Terrorism

24 April - 13 May 2025

This online short course discusses the extent to which states may limit and/or derogate from their international human rights obligations in order to prevent and counter-terrorism and thus protect persons under their jurisdiction.

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

Iraq, Mosul. View of the west bank after the war. Project

IHL in Focus

Started in January 2024

As a yearly publication, it keeps decision-makers, practitioners and scholars up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges in IHL implementation in over 100 armed conflicts worldwide – both international and non-international.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2023

published on July 2024

Read more