International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission: Its Potential
(1999) 5 Australian Journal of Human Rights 101
9 Pages Posted: 17 Mar 2014
Date Written: 1999
Abstract
This article considers the development and operation of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission. Although the Geneva Conventions provide in a general way for the possibility of an inquiry into alleged breaches of the Conventions, they provide no body or mechanisms for doing so. The Commission was therefore intended to provide a permanent body available for that purpose. In this text, the author outlines the establishment of the Commission, its operation, processes, membership and jurisdiction. The author notes that one of the Commission's strengths is its emphasis on the consent of the parties, and the flexibility this brings. However, its ability to function is stifled by the lack of political will to use the Commission in particular cases and, consequently, its full potential is yet to be reached. Abstract by Juliet Bull.
Keywords: International law, humanitarian law, Geneva Convention, fact finding commission
JEL Classification: K30, K33
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation