On 3 December, Nepal became one of the first countries to host a national level event to launch the publication of the updated ICRC commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict since the global launch on 27 November.  The launch was organized by the ICRC in Kathmandu in partnership with the National IHL Committee of Nepal.

The hon’ble Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (MoLJPA) delivered the keynote address in the presence of other senior officials from the MoLJPA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The presentation on the updated commentaries by the ICRC was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr Andrei Kozik, ICRC Regional Legal Advisor for South Asia.  Ms. Aruna Joshi, Member Secretary of the National IHL Committee and Joint Secretary, MoLJPA shared details of the National IHL Committee’s work and engagement with the Geneva Conventions. Lt. Gen. (retd.) Balanand Sharma, shared his encounters with IHL in action during his 39 year long tenure with the Nepal Army including his service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its role in ensuring the protection of civilians. Prof. (Dr.) Geeta Pathak Sangroula, Professor at the Kathmandu School of Law and co-convenor of the SATS IHL Forum Nepal delivered remarks that highlighted the crucial importance of engaging with IHL, its content and obligations in times of peace.

The broader discussion delved into the contextual significance of engaging with the commentary by scholars and practitioners, with active participation from members of the audience which included members of the SATS IHL Forum Nepal (alumni of the ICRC’s South Asia Training Session on IHL), UN Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament and the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.