Weekend Times


Google Workspace

Business News

A new report lays out NZ’s humanitarian duties under the laws of war – now it needs an action plan

  • Written by Marnie Lloydd, Senior Lecturer in Law and Co-Director New Zealand Centre for Public Law, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
A new report lays out NZ’s humanitarian duties under the laws of war – now it needs an action plan

The laws of war might seem of limited relevance in relatively peaceful New Zealand. But our soldiers participate in coalitions fighting wars abroad, and the often flagrant violation of humanitarian law in ongoing conflicts reminds us not to be complacent.

So the launch yesterday of the government’s Report on the Domestic Implementation of International Humanitarian Law[1] was welcome. Timed to coincide with this month’s 75th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions[2], the report sets out New Zealand’s obligations to protect some minimum human dignity in war. Essentially, international humanitarian law, also known also as the law of armed conflict, places important restraints on how wars may be fought. The new report maps New Zealand’s existing obligations and how they are part of domestic law and policy. In doing so, New Zealand joins other countries that have published such voluntary reports promptly. Australia will also publish its first national report this year. And while states accused of violating international humanitarian law might not follow suit, the broader aim is to keep the issue alive and ultimately strengthen compliance by all countries. Respecting international law Unlike more recent humanitarian treaties, such as those banning landmines or cluster munitions, the Geneva Conventions do not require annual meetings of countries, or require signatories to submit regular reports. This has made compliance a challenge[3]. And attempts since 2011 to gain global political support for some form of regular, voluntary, formal framework have so far faltered. A 2019 resolution[4] at the four-yearly International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement instead encouraged a less politically sensitive alternative: countries would review their own implementation and share best practices through a voluntary national report[5]. How countries implement international humanitarian law – by training their military on the rules, for example, or enacting domestic war crimes legislation – is central to respecting that law. The New Zealand government and local Red Cross pledged to work on this[6] before the next Red Cross conference in late 2024. The resulting report first sets out how New Zealand has signed up to nearly all the key international treaties and made them part of its own laws. It also explains who is responsible for implementing and enforcing those laws, and how the rules of armed combat are taught. This includes various government departments (Defence Force, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Crown Law). Non-governmental institutions (Red Cross, education providers) are also involved, for example, by holding events for students and the public to discuss war, peace and humanitarian values. Finally, the report summarises New Zealand’s commitment to specific protections under international law for prisoners of war, women and girls, cultural property and the environment, as well as to rules prohibiting or restricting the use of munitions such as chemical weapons. Ukraine, 2024: The Red Cross and Red Crescent were instrumental in pushing for national voluntary reports. Getty Images What NZ can do next New Zealand has a solid record in ratifying the relevant international humanitarian law treaties and implementing them at home. The Operation Burnham Inquiry[7] into alleged violations by NZSAS troops in Afghanistan, and the laws and policies adopted as recommended by that inquiry, are examples of good practice for other countries to follow – and of the possible challenges in doing so. This is not to say New Zealand has nothing more to do. These national reports also serve to identify gaps in implementation and suggest areas for future efforts. Even Switzerland, birthplace of modern humanitarian law, produced a parallel public action plan[8] to its 2020 voluntary report which detailed future steps for strengthening compliance. Despite having a Disarmament and Arms Control Strategy[9] and a Humanitarian Action Policy[10], New Zealand has yet to produce an action plan to accompany its own voluntary report. Precisely because of New Zealand’s commitment to international humanitarian law, the report should now be used as a tool to further strengthen those efforts. This needs to involve the whole government, not be confined to the military and foreign affairs, and involve Māori and civil society. Lastly, New Zealand must continue to demand respect for these laws by other countries. That includes speaking out about the worst offenders, based on a coherent and consistent foreign policy[11], and supporting Pacific states with their own implementation. Given the death and devastation caused by today’s ongoing wars, this report offers everyone a simple way to engage and reflect on these vital issues of human dignity in peace and conflict. References^ Report on the Domestic Implementation of International Humanitarian Law (www.mfat.govt.nz)^ Geneva Conventions (www.icrc.org)^ compliance a challenge (www.icrc.org)^ 2019 resolution (rcrcconference.org)^ voluntary national report (blogs.icrc.org)^ pledged to work on this (rcrcconference.org)^ Operation Burnham Inquiry (operationburnham.inquiry.govt.nz)^ parallel public action plan (www.eda.admin.ch)^ Disarmament and Arms Control Strategy (www.mfat.govt.nz)^ Humanitarian Action Policy (www.mfat.govt.nz)^ coherent and consistent foreign policy (theconversation.com)Authors: Marnie Lloydd, Senior Lecturer in Law and Co-Director New Zealand Centre for Public Law, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

Read more https://theconversation.com/a-new-report-lays-out-nzs-humanitarian-duties-under-the-laws-of-war-now-it-needs-an-action-plan-235880

The Weekend Times Magazine

The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Hiring Lawyers in Sydney

Choosing the right legal help can feel daunting, especially when time is short and the stakes feel high. Many people start by searching for lawyers in Sydney, then rely on...

Camplify Research Reveals 2020 is the Year of the Local Road Trip

Camplify has today released a research report highlighting that 2020 is no doubt the year of the local road trip. With COVID-19 restricting international travel, Australians have hit the roads...

Film Review: Why Casablanca Still Captivates Audiences Eight Decades On

Few films have endured in the public imagination quite like Casablanca. Released in 1942 during the height of World War II, the film was not expected to become a cultural...

Rodent Control: Effective Strategies to Protect Your Home and Health

Rodent control is an essential part of maintaining a safe and healthy environment in both residential and commercial properties. Rodents, including rats and mice, are not only a nuisance but...

How to work from home and not get divorced

Covid has triggered life-changing decisions for some people and has put a lot of relationship strain on couples. The stress of working from home and having to home school the...

Could You Furnish and Equip a Whole House with IKEA Products?

IKEA has long been known as the global giant of affordable, ready-to-assemble furniture. From minimalist Scandinavian sofas to clever kitchen gadgets, the Swedish retailer has built its reputation on making...

What To Look For In a Robot Pool Cleaner

Robotic pool cleaners are a stunning feat of modern technology, allowing you to keep your pools clean with minimal effort on your part. Pool cleaning and maintenance has always remained...

5 Ways to Make Maths Fun

For many students, maths can seem like a daunting subject, but with the right approach, it can become one of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of learning. Whether you’re...

Wedding DJ vs Live Band: Which Is the Right Choice for Your Wedding?

Choosing the right music for your wedding is one of your most important decisions. Music has the power to set the mood, create memorable moments, and ensure your guests have...

hacklink hack forum hacklink film izle hacklink สล็อตเว็บตรงcrown155 casinohb88aussuper96 login주소모음 주소모아spin2u loginneoaus96 casino loginff29 casinobest e-wallet pokies 2025免费视频best e wallet pokies australiahttps://mrvip77.comgiftcardmall/mygiftsitus slot gacorBest eSIM for Caribbean Cruisejojobetmarsbahisjojobetkiralık hackercratosroyalbetcasibom girişcasibommarsbahiscasibomslot qrisgrandpashabetjojobet girişcasibomcasibomdeneme bonusu veren siteleronwinalgototojojobet girişmatbetpusulabetvaycasinodeneme bonusu veren sitelercasinoprimemarsbahisartemisbetvdcasinovaycasinoสล็อตเว็บตรงjojobetmatbetcasibom