The Role of ICRC in Establishing Protected Areas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21271/ZJlP.22.36.2Abstract
Abstract
The protection of civilians and hors de combat in armed conflicts has been a paramount concern for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In this vein, protected area as a protective mechanism has emerged as a significant measure to safeguard civilians and provide safe haven during armed conflicts within the framework of international humanitarian law (IHL). This paper explores the ICRC's endeavours in negotiating, establishing and overseeing protected areas during various armed conflicts. The paper is an analytical study analysis the legal basis and practical aspects of ICRC's involvement in shaping the notion of protected areas for civilians amidst conflict zones. It examines empirical instances of protected areas aiming to analyse the extent to which the creation of such areas by ICRC contributes to saving civilians' lives, mitigating their suffering and ensuring access to humanitarian assistance. The paper further discusses the feasibility of establishing protected areas in contemporary armed conflict situations. The evolving modern conflicts, marked by complexity, multi dimensions and involving multifarious parties pose substantial obstacles for ICRC to attain agreement for establishing such areas. The study's main finding is that although the ICRC's experience in establishing protected areas is deemed valuable in protecting civilians and facilitating access to humanitarian assistance, the ICRC confronted significant challenges within contemporary conflict situations to establish protected areas. Thus, alternative mechanisms such as imposed protected areas and humanitarian corridors emerged. In addition, this paper contributes to enhancing legal understanding of the critical role of the ICRC in humanitarian crises and provides invaluable insights into the evolution of protection measures for civilian populations amidst active conflict zones.
References
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