Reclaiming the Protection of Civilians under International Humanitarian Law, Oslo Global Conference, Co-chairs’ summary

The Norwegian Government, in cooperation with the Governments of Argentina, Austria, Indonesia and Uganda, hosted the Global Conference on Reclaiming the Protection of Civilians under International Humanitarian Law in Oslo on 23–24 May 2013. Experts from governments, the military and humanitarian organisations, as well as other relevant actors, have come together to engage in a global dialogue on how to strengthen the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law (IHL). 

The Conference focused on discussing the main challenges faced in protecting civilian populations affected by armed conflicts, and on identifying practical measures that can effectively address these challenges. The increasingly asymmetric and protracted nature of modern armed conflicts, in which many parties to conflicts show no respect for IHL, and the fact that hostilities increasingly take place in urban areas, are some of the main challenges identified. To address these challenges, a number of practical measures to be taken by the different actors operating in conflict areas have been suggested that can serve as recommendations with a view to improving the situation for civilians. This document summerizes the recommendations that were concluded from the conference. 

The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2013

With its 8 departments and more than 100 foreign service missions, which include embassies, permanent delegations, general consulates and embassy sections/offices, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the largest ministry in the Norwegian government administration.