Amani Africa, a continental think tank, alongside the ICRC Delegation to the AU, unveiled a specialized research report on December 12, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Addis Ababa. The objective was to investigate the advancements achieved by the AU in embedding and executing IHL principles and values within the diverse legal instruments, resolutions, policies, and actions of the AU’s constituent bodies.
In its initiative to weave IHL into its policies and practices, the AU has faced both achievements and challenges, which are elaborated upon in the research report. Moreover, it calls on member states to bolster the integration of IHL through necessary legislative measures.
It advocates for the incorporation of essential IHL teachings in educational programs and underscores the importance of political backing for the realization of the AU IHL compliance framework. The research highlights the need for enhanced collaboration between the AU and the UN to ensure coherence within compliance mechanisms and encourages partnerships with Regional Economic Communities (RECs)/Regional Mechanisms (RMs) through training and awareness initiatives focused on the enforcement of IHL.
Additionally, it argues for the amalgamation of policies and operational guidelines into an all-encompassing AU document regarding IHL compliance.
“The introduction of this handbook is significant as it aligns with the 30th anniversary of the African Union and ICRC collaboration where the ICRC has been active in incorporating IHL into AU policy frameworks by offering legal assistance, shaping policy, and influencing various resolutions over the years,” remarked Bruce Mokaya Orina, Head of Delegation of the ICRC Delegation to the African Union during his opening statement. Furthermore, Dr. Solomon Dersso, Founding Director of Amani Africa, highlighted how ongoing conflict scenarios and dynamics have rendered IHL more relevant than ever. He elaborated on how IHL acts as the final bulwark of common humanity when all else falters in times of conflict.
Mr. Zinurine Alghali, the interim head of the AU Peace Support Operation Division, spoke on behalf of the African Union and outlined the measures the organization has adopted to incorporate IHL throughout the years, beginning with its inaugural mission to Burundi and extending to the establishment of the AU compliance framework, among other initiatives. He also recognized that the AU and its member States must continuously integrate IHL.
In the presence of esteemed members of the Peace and Security Council, representatives from the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, alongside other vital entities, Member States, RECs, academic institutions, and the broader diplomatic community, the launch event transpired successfully.
