Promoting International Humanitarian Law: The Work of the Commonwealth Secretariat

Abstract

International humanitarian law has been recognised by Commonwealth Heads of Government as a matter of continuing critical importance and has accordingly been the focus of work by the Commonwealth Secretariat. This article outlines the work carried out by the Commonwealth Secretariat in relation to such issues as countering the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and the use of anti‐personnel mines, and promoting the implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, including through the formulation of Model Laws. Possible future work for the Secretariat, including in the area of International Disaster Relief Laws, is also explored.

Notes

1 Report on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons within the Commonwealth (2005).

2 The list is indicative rather than exhaustive.