Sanremo Institute: IHL training binding in peacetime

States are legally obligated to ensure training in international humanitarian law (IHL) not only during armed conflict but also in peacetime, Secretary-General of the International Institute of Humanitarian Law (Sanremo Institute) Gian Luca Beruto stated at an international conference on missing persons in Baku.

"The dissemination of knowledge and training are legal obligations of state parties both in peacetime and in times of armed conflict," Beruto emphasized, noting that these requirements are grounded in all four 1949 Geneva Conventions and further codified under the 1977 Additional Protocols. He pointed out that regarding missing persons, such training must prepare relevant agencies to maintain precise registries of detainees, preserve records of deceased individuals, facilitate family reunification links, and cooperate closely with competent bodies and humanitarian entities.

Beruto added that the Sanremo Institute is stepping up its programs on missing persons and remains prepared to develop joint capacity-building initiatives with international partners.

N.Tebrizli