Aanvullend Protocol bij de Verdragen van Genève van 12 augustus 1949, betreffende de bescherming van de slachtoffers van internationale gewapende conflicten (Protocol I)
Partijen met voorbehouden, verklaringen en bezwaren
Algerije
16-08-1989
With respect to Article 90, the Government of Algeria declares that it recognizes
the competence of the international Fact-Finding Commission in relation to any other
High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation.
1. The Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria declares that the
expressions "feasible precautions" (Art. 41, para. 3), "everything feasible" (Art.
57. para. 2), and "to the maximum extent feasible" (Art. 58) are to be interpreted
as referring to precautions and measures which are feasible in view of the circumstances
and the information and means available at the time.
2. As concerns the repression of breaches of the Conventions and the present Protocol
as defined in Articles 85 and 86 of Section II of Protocol I, the Government of the
People's Democratic Republic of Algeria considers that to judge any decision, the
circumstances, the means and the information available at the time the decision was
made are determinant factors and elements in assessing the nature of the said decision.
3. The Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria reserves judgement
on the definition of mercenarism as set out in Article 47, para. 2 of the present
Protocol, this definition being deemed restrictive.
Angola
20-09-1984
In acceding to Protocol I of 1977, additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August
1949, the People's Republic of Angola declares that, pending the entry into force
of the International Convention on Mercenarism which is at present being drafted by
the United Nations, and until such time as the State of Angola becomes a party to
that Convention, the People's Republic of Angola will consider the following to be
committing the crime of mercenarism:
a) those who recruit, organise, finance, equip or train mercenaries or employ them
in any other way;
b) those who, in the territory under jurisdiction or in any other place under their
control, allow the performance of any of the acts referred to in the previous paragraph
or afford facilities for the transit or transport of mercenaries;
c) any alien who, on Angolan territory, commits any of the acts mentioned above against
another country;
d) any Angolan national who, with a view to subverting the sovereignty or the territorial
integrity of a foreign country or to opposing the self-determination of a people,
commits any of the acts referred to in the preceding articles.
Argentinië
26-11-1986
With reference to Article 43, paragraph 1, and Article 44, paragraph 1, of the Protocol
Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and relating to the Protection
of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), the Argentine Republic interprets
these provisions as not implying any derogation of:
a) the concept of the permanent regular armed forces of a Sovereign State;
b) the conceptual distinction between regular armed forces, understood as being permanent
army units under the authority of Governments of Sovereign States, and the resistance
movements which are referred to in Article 4 of the Third Geneva Convention of 1949.
With reference to Article 44, paragraphs 2, 3 and 4, of the same Protocol, the Argentine
Republic considers that these provisions cannot be interpreted:
a) as conferring on persons who violate the rules of international law applicable
in armed conflicts any kind of immunity exempting them from the system of sanctions
which apply to each case;
b) as specifically favouring anyone who violates the rules the aim of which is the
distinction between combatants and the civilian population;
c) as weakening respect for the fundamental principle of the international law of
war which requires that a distinction be made between combatants and the civilian
population, with the prime purpose of protecting the latter.
11-10-1996
With respect to Article 90, the Government of Argentina declares that it recognizes
the competence of the international Fact-Finding Commission in relation to any other
High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation.
Australië
21-06-1991
In depositing its instrument of ratification for Protocol I, Australia hereby makes
declarations of understanding in relation to Articles 5, 44 and 51 to 58 inclusive
of the said Protocol.
It is Australia's understanding that in relation to Article 5, with regard to the
issue whether, and in what measure, Protecting Powers may have to exercise any functions
within the combat zone (such as may be implied by provisions in Parts II and IV of
the Protocol), the role of the Protecting Power will be of a like character to that
specified in the First and Second Conventions and Part II of the Fourth Convention,
which apply mainly to the battlefield and its immediate surroundings.
It is the understanding of Australia that in relation to Article 44, the situation
described in the second sentence of paragraph 3 can exist only in occupied territory
or in armed conflicts covered by paragraph 4 of Article 1. Australia will interpret
the word "deployment" in paragraph 3(b) of the Article as meaning any movement towards
a place from which an attack is to be launched. It will interpret the words "visible
to the adversary" in the same paragraph as including visible with the aid of binoculars,
or by infra-red or image intensification devices.
In relation to Articles 51 to 58 inclusive it is the understanding of Australia that
military commanders and others responsible for planning, deciding upon, or executing
attacks, necessarily have to reach their decisions on the basis of their assessment
of the information from all sources, which is available to them at the relevant time.
In relation to paragraph 5(b) of Article 51 and to paragraph 2(a)(iii) of Article
57, it is the understanding of Australia that references to the "military advantage"
are intended to mean the advantage anticipated from the military attack considered
as a whole and not only from isolated or particular parts of that attack and that
the term "military advantage" involves a variety of considerations including the security
of attacking forces. It is further the understanding of Australia that the term "concrete
and direct military advantage anticipated", used in Articles 51 and 57, means a bona
fide expectation that the attack will make a relevant and proportional contribution
to the objective of the military attack involved.
It is the understanding of Australia that the first sentence of paragraph 2 of Article
52 is not intended to, nor does it, deal with the question of incidental or collateral
damage resulting from an attack directed against a military objective.
23-09-1992
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Belarus
23-10-1989
[..] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
België
20-05-1986
The Belgian Government makes the following declarations of interpretation:
1. The Belgian Government, in view of the travaux préparatoires for the international
instrument herewith ratified, wishes to emphasize that the Protocol was established
to broaden the protection conferred by humanitarian law solely when conventional weapons
are used in armed conflicts, without prejudice to the provisions of international
law relating to the use of other types of weapons.
2. The Belgian Government, in view of paragraph 3 of Article 43 (Armed forces) and
the special status of the Belgian Gendarmerie (constabulary), has decided to notify
the High Contracting Parties as follows of the duties assigned to the Belgian Gendarmerie
in time of armed conflict. It considers that this notification fully satisfies any
and all requirements of Article 43 pertaining to the Gendarmerie.
a) The Belgian Gendarmerie, which was formed to maintain law and order, is a police
force stated by national legislation to be one of the armed forces and is therefore
covered by the expression "armed forces of a Party to a conflict" within the meaning
of Article 43 of Protocol I. Thus in time of international armed conflict members
of the Gendarmerie have the status of "combatant" within the meaning of this Protocol.
b) In addition to this notification the Belgian Government wishes to state exactly
what duties the law entrusts to the Gendarmerie in time of war. Those duties are described
in the "Act on the Gendarmerie" of 2 December 1957 (published in the "Moniteur belge"
official gazette of 12 December 1957).
Part VI of that Act, in its Articles 63, 64, 66 and 67, covers the special duties
assigned to the Gendarmerie in time of war in addition to their peacetime duties.
The said special duties are as follows:
63. The Gendarmerie shall take part in the internal defence of Belgian territory to
the extent fixed by mutual agreement between the Minister of National Defence, the
Minister of Justice and the Minister of the Interior. Territorial units shall not
be required to perform any duties other than intelligence and warning duties. Mobile
units may be placed in support of units of the other armed forces.
64. Throughout the duration of the time of war the Gendarmerie shall provide detachment
known as "prévôtés" (military police) to maintain order in and police the other armed
forces. Each prévôté shall be under the command of a "prévôt" (Assistant Provost Marshal),
who shall be an officer of the Gendarmerie.
66. Throughout the duration of the time of war the Gendarmerie shall keep in constant
touch with prosecuting officers at courts martial. The Gendarmerie shall report on
events concerning security and public order.
67. Throughout the duration of the time of war the Gendarmerie may be instructed by
prosecuting officers at courts martial to serve subpoenas on the parties or witnesses.
c) The Belgian Government wishes to emphasize that even in time of war the Gendarmerie's
principal duty is still the general one conferred on it by Article 1 of the "Act on
the Gendarmerie". Indeed the Royal Order of 14 March 1963 "respecting the organization
of the general services of the Gendarmerie" (published in the "Moniteur belge" official
gazette of 29 March 1963) stipulated in its Article 17:
In time of war:
a) The Gendarmerie shall retain its normal duties of maintaining law and order;
b) Without prejudice to Article 63 of the Act on the Gendarmerie and the measures
that shall result from its execution, all Gendarmeries forces, whether mobile or territorial,
shall remain under the command of the Commanding Officer of the Gendarmerie. He shall
use and distribute them as the maintenance of order and the judicial service shall
require. Each subordinate echelon shall act similarly within the limits of its powers
and responsibilities.
3. With respect to Articles 41, 57 and 58, the Belgian Government considers that,
in view of the travaux préparatoires, the expression "feasible precautions" in Article
41 must be interpreted in the same way as the "feasible precautions" mentioned in
Articles 57 and 58, that is, those that can be taken in the circumstances prevailing
at the moment, which include military considerations as much as humanitarian ones.
4. With respect to article 44, the Belgian Government declares that the armed conflict
situations described in paragraph 3 can arise only in occupied territory or in the
armed conflicts covered by Article 1, paragraph 4, of the Protocol. Furthermore the
Belgian Government interprets the term "deployment" used in subparagraph (b) of the
said paragraph 3 as comprising any individual or collective movement towards a position
from which an attack is to be launched.
5. With respect to Articles 51 and 57, the Belgian Government interprets the "military
advantage" mentioned therein as being that expected from an attack considered in its
totality.
6. With respect to Part IV, Section I, of the Protocol, the Belgian Government wishes
to emphasize that, whenever a military commander is required to take a decision affecting
the protection of civilians or civilian objects or objects assimilated therewith,
the only information on which that decision can possibly be taken is such relevant
information as is then available and that it has been feasible for him to obtain for
that purpose.
7. With respect to Article 96, paragraph 3, the Belgian Government declared that the
only authority that could address a declaration having the effects described in paragraph
3 of Article 96 would be an authority that in any case:
a) is recognized by the intergovernmental regional organization concerned, and
b) does in fact represent a people engaged in an armed conflict the characteristics
of which strictly and exactly conform to the definition given by Article 1, paragraph
4, and to the interpretation given to the exercise of the right of self-determination
at the time of the adoption of the Protocol.
27-03-1987
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Bolivia
10-08-1992
[.....] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Bosnië en Herzegovina
31-12-1992
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Brazilië
23-11-1993
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Bulgarije
09-05-1994
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Burkina Faso
24-05-2004
[] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Canada
20-11-1990
Article 11 - Protection of persons (Medical procedures)
The Government of Canada does not intend to be bound by the prohibitions contained
in Article 11, sub-paragraph 2 (c), with respect to Canadian nationals or other persons
ordinarily resident in Canada who may be interned, detained or otherwise deprived
of liberty as a result of a situation referred to in Article 1, so long as the removal
of tissue or organs for transplantation is in accordance with Canadian laws and applicable
to the population generally and the operation is carried out in accordance with normal
Canadian medical practices, standards and ethics.
Article 39 - Emblems of nationality (Enemy uniforms)
The Government of Canada does not intend to be bound by the prohibitions contained
in paragraph 2 of Article 39 to make use of military emblems, insignia or uniforms
of adverse parties in order to shield, favour, protect or impede military operations.
Statements of understanding (Conventional weapons)
It is the understanding of the Government of Canada that the rules introduced by Protocol
I were intended to apply exclusively to conventional weapons. In particular, the rules
so introduced do not have any effect on and do not regulate or prohibit the use of
nuclear weapons.
Article 38 - Recognized emblems (Protective emblems)
It is the understanding of the Government of Canada that, in relation to Article 38,
in situations where the Medical Service of the armed forces of a party to an armed
conflict is identified by another emblem than the emblems referred to in Article 38
of the First Geneva Convention of August 12, 1949, that other emblem, when notified,
should be respected by the adverse party as a protective emblem in the conflict, under
analogous conditions to those imposed by the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Additional
Protocols of 1977 for the use of emblems referred to in Article 38 of the First Geneva
Convention and Protocol I. In such situations, misuse of such an emblem should be
considered as misuse of emblems referred to in Article 38 of the First Geneva Convention
and Protocol I.
Articles 41, 56, 57, 58, 78 and 86 (Meaning of feasible)
It is the understanding of the Government of Canada that in relation to Article 41,
56, 57, 58, 78 and 86 the word "feasible" means that which is practicable or practically
possible, taking into account all circumstances ruling at the time, including humanitarian
and military considerations.
Article 44 - Combatants and prisoners of war (Combatant status)
It is understanding of the Government of Canada that:
a. the situation described in the second sentence of paragraph 3 of Article 44 can
exist only in occupied territory or in armed conflicts covered by paragraph 4 of Article
1; and
b. the word "deployment" in paragraph 3 of Article 44 includes any movement towards
a place from which an attack is to be launched.
Part IV, Section I -General protection against effects of hostilities (Standard for
decision-making)
It is the understanding of the Government of Canada that, in relation to Articles
48, 51 to 60 inclusive, 62 and 67, military commanders and others responsible for
planning, deciding upon or executing attacks have to reach decisions on the basis
of their assessment of the information reasonably available to them at the relevant
time and that such decisions cannot be judged on the basis of information which has
subsequently come to light.
Article 52 - General protection of civilian objects (Military objectives)
It is the understanding of the Government of Canada in relation to Article 52 that:
a. a specific area of land may be a military objective if, because of its location
or other reasons specified in the Article as to what constitutes a military objective,
its total or partial destruction, capture or neutralization in the circumstances governing
at the time offers a definite military advantage; and
b. the first sentence of paragraph 2 of the Article is not intended to, nor does it,
deal with the question of incidental or collateral damage resulting from an attack
directed against a military objective.
Article 53 - Protection of cultural objects and of places of workshop (Cultural objects)
It is the understanding of the Government of Canada in relation to Article 53 that:
a. such protection as is afforded by the Article will be lost during such time as
the protected property is used for military purposes; and
b. the prohibitions contained in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Article can only
be waived when military necessity imperatively requires such a waiver.
Article 51, sub-paragraph 5 (b), 52, paragraph 2, and 57, clause 2 (a) (iii) (Military
advantage)
It is the understanding of the Government of Canada in relation to sub-paragraph 5
(b) of Article 51, paragraph 2 of Article 52, and clause 2 (a) (iii) of Article 57
that the military advantage anticipated from an attack is intended to refer to the
advantage anticipated from the attack considered as a whole and not from isolated
or particular parts of the attack.
Article 62 - General protection (Protection of civil defence personnel)
It is the understanding of the Government of Canada that nothing in Article 62 will
prevent Canada from using assigned civil defence personnel or volunteer civil defence
workers in Canada in accordance with nationally established priorities regardless
of the military situation.
Article 96 - Treaty relations upon entry into force of this Protocol, paragraph 3
(Declaration by national liberation movement)
It is the understanding of the Government of Canada that the making of a unilateral
declaration does not, in itself, validate the credentials of the person or persons
making such declaration and that States are entitled to satisfy themselves as to whether
in fact the makers of such declaration constitute an authority referred to in Article
96. In this respect, the fact that such authority has or has not been recognized as
such by an appropriate regional intergovernmental organization is relevant.
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Chili
24-04-1991
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
China
14-09-1983
At present, Chinese legislation has no provisions concerning extradition, and deals
with this matter on a case-by-case basis. For this reason China does not accept the
stipulations of Article 88, paragraph 2, of Protocol I.
Colombia
17-04-1996
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Congo, Democratische Republiek
12-12-2002
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Cookeilanden
07-05-2002
The Government of the Cook Islands declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without
special agreement, in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same
obligation, the competence of the international Fact-Finding Commission to enquire
into allegations by such other Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I.
Costa Rica
09-12-1999
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Cyprus
14-10-2002
The Government of the Republic of Cyprus declares that it recognizes ipso facto and
without special agreement, in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting
the same obligation, the competence of the international Fact-Finding Commission to
enquire into allegations by such other Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol
I Additional to the Geneva Conventions of August 12th, 1949, adopted in Geneva on
June 8th, 1977, relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts.
Denemarken
17-06-1982
Denmark expresses a reservation with regard to the application of Article 75, paragraph
4 (h) (Protocol I), to the effect that the provisions of this paragraph shall not
prevent the reopening of criminal proceedings in cases where the rules of the Danish
Code of civil and criminal procedure, in exceptional circumstances, provide for such
a measure.
Denmark declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Duitsland
14-02-1991
1. It is the understanding of the Federal Republic of Germany that the rules relating
to the use of weapons introduced by Additional Protocol I were intended to apply exclusively
to conventional weapons without prejudice to any other rules of international law
applicable to other types of weapons.
2. The Federal Republic of Germany understands the word "feasible" in Articles 41,
56, 57, 58, 78 and 86 of Additional Protocol I to mean that which is practicable or
practically possible, taking into account all circumstances ruling at the time including
humanitarian and military considerations.
3. The criteria contained in the second sentence of Article 44, paragraph 3, of Additional
Protocol I for distinction between combatants and the civilian population are understood
by the Federal Republic of Germany to apply only in occupied territories and in the
other armed conflicts described in Article 1, paragraph 4. The term "military deployment"
is interpreted to mean any movements towards the place from which an attack is to
be launched.
4. It is the understanding of the Federal Republic of Germany that in the application
of the provisions of Part IV, Section I, of Additional Protocol I, to military commanders
and others responsible for planning, deciding upon or executing attacks, the decision
taken by the person responsible has to be judged on the basis of all information available
to him at the relevant time, and not on the basis of hindsight.
5. In applying the rule of proportionality in Article 51 and Article 57, "military
advantage" is understood to refer to the advantage anticipated from the attack considered
as a whole and not only from isolated or particular parts of the attack.
6. The Federal Republic of Germany will react against serious and systematic violations
of the obligations imposed by Additional Protocol I and in particular its Articles
51 and 52 with all means admissible under international law in order to prevent any
further violation.
7. Article 52 of Additional Protocol I is understood by the Federal Republic of Germany
to mean that a specific area of land may also be a military objective if it meets
all requirements of Article 52, paragraph 2.
8. Article 75, paragraph 4, subparagraph (e) of Additional Protocol I and Article
6, paragraph 2, subparagraph (e) of Additional Protocol II will be applied in such
manner that it is for the court to decide whether an accused person held in custody
must appear in person at the hearing before the court of review.
Article 75, paragraph 4, subparagraph (h) of Additional Protocol I will only be applied
to the extent that it is in conformity with legal provisions which permit under special
circumstances the re-opening of proceedings that had led to final conviction or acquittal.
9. The Federal Republic of Germany understands paragraph 3 of Article 96 of Additional
Protocol I to mean that only those declarations described in subparagraphs (a) and
(c) of paragraph 3 of Article 96 that are issued by an authority which genuinely satisfies
all the criteria contained in paragraph 4 of Article 1 can have legally binding effect.
With respect to Article 90, paragraph 2, of Additional Protocol I, the Federal Republic
of Germany declares that it recognizes the competence of the international Fact-Finding
Commission, ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other High
Contracting Party accepting the same obligation.
Egypte
09-10-1992
The Arab Republic of Egypt, while welcoming the adoption by the Diplomatic Conference
in June 1977 of Protocols I and II additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 in
six languages, including the Arabic language, notes that all original texts are certified
and equally authentic with no prevalence of one single language over the other.
However, on comparison of the original Arabic text of Additional Protocols I and II
with the other original texts, it became evident that in some respects the Arabic
text does not fully correspond to the other original texts to the extent that it is
at variance in terms of both expression and substance with some of the provisions
of Additional Protocols I and II adopted by States in the field of international law
and human relations.
The Arab Republic of Egypt, in ratifying Protocols I and II of 1977 additional to
the Geneva Conventions of 1949, wishes to express its conviction that the provisions
of Additional Protocols I and II represent the minimum level of legal and actual protection
that must be afforded to persons and civilian and cultural objects in armed conflict.
On the basis of its strong conviction of the principles of the great Islamic Sharia,
the Arab Republic of Egypt wishes at the same time to emphasize that it is the duties
of all nations alike to refrain from the involvement of innocent civilians in armed
conflict; furthermore they should make all efforts, to the maximum extent possible,
to that end as this is indispensable for the survival of humanity and the cultural
heritage and civilization of all countries and nations.
The Arab Republic of Egypt, while declaring its commitment to respecting all the provisions
of Additional Protocols I and II, wishes to emphasize, on the basis of reciprocity,
that it upholds the right to react against any violation by any party of the obligations
imposed by Additional Protocols I and II with all means admissible under international
law in order to prevent any further violation. In this context it wishes to assert
that military commanders planning or executing attacks make their decisions on the
basis of their assessment of all kinds of information available to them at the time
of the military operations.
Hence the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the occasion of the deposit of its instrument
of ratification of Protocols I and II additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949
with the depositary, the Swiss Federal Council, wishes to declare that in that respect
it shall adopt the meaning which best concurs with the original texts of Additional
Protocols I and II.
Estland
20-02-2009
The Republic of Estonia declares that it recognises ipso facto and without special
agreement, in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation,
the competence of the International Fact- Finding Commission to enquire into allegations
by such other Party, as authorised by Article 90 of Protocol I Additional to the Geneva
Conventions of 1949.
Filipijnen
30-03-2012
a) The application of Protocol I, particularly Articles 1(4), 4 and 96(3) shall not
affect the legal status of the Parties to the conflict, nor the legal status of the
concerned territory; as such, no claim of status of belligerency may be invoked therefrom;
b) The application of Protocol I may in no case be invoked in internal armed conflicts
within sovereign States;
c) The terms "armed conflict" and "conflict" do not include the commission of ordinary
crimes, whether collective or isolated.
Finland
07-08-1980
With reference to Articles 75 and 85 of the Protocol, the Finnish Government declare
their understanding that, under Article 72, the field of application of Article 75
shall be interpreted to include also the nationals of the Contracting Party applying
the provisions of that Article, as well as the nationals of neutral or other States
not Parties to the conflict, and that the provisions of Article 85 shall be interpreted
to apply to nationals of neutral or other States not Parties to the conflict as they
apply to those mentioned in paragraph 2 of that Article.
With reference to Article 75, paragraph 4 (h) of the Protocol, the Finnish Government
wish to clarify that under Finnish law a judgment shall not be considered final until
the time-limit for exercising any extraordinary legal remedies has expired.
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Frankrijk
11-04-2001
1. The provisions of Protocol I of 1977 will not impede the exercise by France of
its inherent right of legitimate self-defence in conformity with article 51 of the
United Nations Charter.
2. Referring to the draft Protocol drawn up by the International Committee of the
Red Cross, which served as the working document for the Diplomatic Conference of 1974-1977,
the Government of the French Republic continues to understand the provisions of the
Protocol as exclusively concerning conventional weapons, and as neither regulating
nor prohibiting nuclear weapons or as prejudicing other rules of international law
applicable to other weapons that are necessary to the exercise by France of its inherent
right of legitimate self-defence.
3. The Government of the French Republic understands the expressions 'possible' or
'endeavour to' in the Protocol as meaning that which is feasible or practically possible,
taking into account all circumstances ruling at the time, including humanitarian and
military considerations.
4. The Government of the French Republic understands the term 'armed conflicts' used
in article 1, paragraph 4, as denoting, of itself and in its context, a situation
of a kind which is not constituted by the commission of ordinary crimes, including
acts of terrorism, whether concerted or in isolation.
5. Given the practical need to make use of non-dedicated aircraft for medical evacuation
purposes, the Government of the French Republic does not interpret article 28, paragraph
2 as precluding the presence on board of communications equipment and encryption materials
or the use thereof solely to facilitate navigation, identification or communication
in support of medical transportation as defined in article 8.
6. The Government of the French Republic considers that the risk of damage to the
natural environment caused by the employment of methods or means of warfare, as referred
to in the provisions of article 35, paragraphs 2 and 3 and article 55, should be analysed
objectively on the basis of the information available at the time.
7. With reference to the provisions of article 43, paragraph 3 of the Protocol concerning
armed law enforcement agencies, the Government of the French Republic informs the
High Contracting Parties to the Protocol that the National Gendarmerie is a permanent
component of its armed forces.
8. The Government of the French Republic considers that the situation referred to
in article 44, paragraph 3, second sentence can only arise if a territory is occupied
or the scene of an armed conflict within the meaning of article 1, paragraph 4. In
article 44, paragraph 3 (b) the term 'deployment' means any movement towards a place
from which an attack may be launched.
9. The Government of the French Republic considers that the rule laid down in article
50, paragraph 1, second sentence may not be understood as obliging a commander to
take a decision which, in the existing circumstances and according to the information
at his disposal, could be incompatible with his duty to protect the safety of troops
under his command or to preserve his military situation, in conformity with other
provisions of the Protocol.
10. The Government of the French Republic understands the expression 'military advantage'
as used in article 51, paragraph 5 (b), article 52, paragraph 2 and article 57, paragraph
2 (a) (iii) as referring to the advantage anticipated from the attack considered as
a whole and not only from isolated or particular parts of the attack.
11. The Government of the French Republic declares that it will apply the provisions
of article 51, paragraph 8 in so far as their interpretation is not an obstacle to
the employment, in conformity with international law, of the means that it considers
indispensable in protecting its civilian population from serious, manifest and deliberate
violations by the enemy of the Geneva Conventions and of this Protocol.
12. The Government of the French Republic considers that a specific area of land may
be a military objective if, because of its location or other reasons specified in
article 52, its total or partial destruction, capture or neutralisation in the circumstances
ruling at the time offers a decisive military advantage. The Government of the French
Republic considers, moreover, that article 52, paragraph 2, first sentence does not
deal with the question of collateral damage resulting from attacks directed against
military objectives.
13. The Government of the French Republic declares that if the objects protected under
article 53 are used for military purposes, they will thereby lose the protection from
which they might benefit under the provisions of the Protocol.
14. The Government of the French Republic considers that article 54, paragraph 2 does
not prohibit attacks carried out with a specific purpose, unless that purpose is to
deprive the civilian population of objects indispensable to their survival, or unless
the attacks are directed against objects which, though used by the adverse Party,
are not used as sustenance solely for the members of its armed forces.
15. The Government of the French Republic cannot guarantee the absolute protection
of works and installations containing dangerous forces which may contribute to the
war effort of the adverse Party, or of those defending such installations. However,
it will take all the necessary precautions, in conformity with the provisions of article
56, of article 57, paragraph 2 (a) (iii) and of article 85, paragraph 3 (c), to avoid
severe collateral losses among civilian populations, including losses from possible
direct attacks.
16. The Government of the French Republic considers that the obligation to cancel
or suspend an attack, in conformity with the provisions of article 57, paragraph 2
(b), only requires taking the normal precautions to cancel or suspend the attack on
the basis of the information available to the person taking the decision.
17. The Government of the French Republic considers that article 70 on relief actions
has no implications for the existing rules in the field of naval warfare or for the
rules concerning naval blockades, submarine warfare or mine warfare.
18. The Government of the French Republic will not consider itself bound by a declaration
made under article 96, paragraph 3, unless it has expressly recognised that it has
been made by a body which is genuinely an authority representing a people engaged
in an armed conflict of the type to which article 1, paragraph 4, applies.
Griekenland
04-02-1998
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Guinee
20-12-1993
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Heilige Stoel
21-11-1985
By ratifying the two Protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949,
relating to the Protection of Victims of International (Protocol I) and Non-International
(Protocol II) Armed Conflicts and adopted in Geneva on 8 June 1977, the Holy See wishes,
first of all, to acknowledge the merits and the positive results obtained by the "Diplomatic
Conference on the Reaffirmation and Development of International Humanitarian Law
Applicable in Armed Conflicts", in which it played an active part.
The Holy See believes that, from an overall historical and legal point of view, the
two Protocols represent and confirm a significant advance in humanitarian law applicable
in armed conflicts, an advance that deserves approval and support.
At the same time, with regard to the provisions of the above-mentioned legal texts,
the Holy See wishes to remind the Secretariat of the Conference of the considerations
that were made known by its delegation at the end of the session. It is a source of
great pleasure to recognize the value of provisions which, in certain sectors, increase
the scope of humanitarian law, as for example: the protection of the civilian population,
especially of women and children; the protection afforded to cultural objects and
places of worship which are evidence and signs of the spiritual heritage of nations;
the protection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population;
the respect and protection of medical and religious personnel; the ban on retaliation.
On the other hand, in the opinion of the Holy See, other provisions are less satisfactory
in substance or are not very well formulated. Furthermore, uncertainties and omissions
were found on important issues in relation to the development of humanitarian standards.
With regard to Protocol II in particular, the Holy See regrets that, after having
been stripped of a large part of its humanitarian substance by the plenary Assembly
of the Conference, the Protocol has become the instrument of a rigorous legal system
both in its text and in its spirit. Although the Holy See signed the Protocol, with
serious reservations, and although it is now ratifying it, it is mainly because it
looks upon the Protocol as an open door to future developments of humanitarian law
in a crucial and, until now, much neglected sector.
The Holy See also announces that it has taken note of the reservations and declarations
formulated by some States that have deposited an instrument of ratification or of
adhesion to the Protocols.
Finally, the Holy See reasserts, on this occasion, its strong conviction as to the
fundamentally inhumane nature of war. The humanization of the effects of armed conflicts,
such as that undertaken by the two Protocols, is received with favour and encouraged
by the Holy See in so far as it aims to alleviate human suffering and strives, amid
unbridled passions and evil forces, to safeguard the basic principles of humanity
and the supreme benefits of civilization. The Holy See expresses, moreover, its firm
belief that the ultimate goal, that which is worthy of the calling of man and of human
civilization, is the abolition of war. One cannot help thinking that the measures
embodied in the Geneva Conventions and more recently by the two Additional Protocols
- measures which are already in themselves frail instruments for the protection of
victims of conventional armed conflicts - would prove to be not only insufficient
but totally inadequate in the face of the ruinous devastation of a nuclear war.
The Holy See, considering itself the spokesman for the fears and the hopes of nations,
hopes that the encouraging start made in Geneva by the codification of humanitarian
law in armed conflicts may not go unheeded or remain a purely formal commitment but
that people may become aware of it, put it into practice and follow it to its final
conclusion: the abolition of war, of any kind whatever.
Hongarije
23-09-1991
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Ierland
19-05-1999
Ireland, in ratifying Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 adopted
at Geneva on 8 June 1977, declares its belief that the provisions of this Protocol
represent the minimum level of legal and actual protection bound to be afforded to
persons and civilian and cultural objects in armed conflicts.
Article 11
For the purposes of investigating any breach of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 or
of the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 adopted at Geneva on
8 June 1977, Ireland reserves the right to take samples of blood, tissue, saliva or
other bodily fluids for DNA comparisons from a person who is detained, interned or
otherwise deprived of liberty as a result of a situation referred to in Article 1,
in accordance with Irish law and normal Irish medical practice, standards and ethics.
Article 11 paragraph 2(c)
Ireland declares that nothing in Article 11 paragraph 2(c) shall prohibit the donation
of tissue, bone marrow or of an organ from a person who is detained, interned or otherwise
deprived of liberty as a result of a situation referred to in Article 2 to a close
relative who requires a donation of tissue, bone marrow or an organ from such a person
for medical reasons, so long as the removal of tissue, bone marrow or organs for transplantation
is in accordance with Irish law and the operation is carried out in accordance with
normal Irish medical practice, standards and ethics.
Article 28 paragraph 2
Given the practical need to make use of non-dedicated aircraft for medical evacuation
purposes, Ireland does not interpret this paragraph as precluding the presence on
board of communication equipment and encryption materials or the use thereof solely
to facilitate navigation, identification or communication in support of medical transportation
as defined in Article 8 (f).
Article 35
Ireland accepts, as stated in Article 35 paragraph 1, that the right of Parties to
the conflict to choose methods or means of warfare is not unlimited. In view of the
potentially destructive effect of nuclear weapons, Ireland declares that nuclear weapons,
even if not directly governed by Additional Protocol I, remain subject to existing
rules of international law as confirmed in 1996 by the International Court of Justice
in its Advisory Opinion on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons.
Articles 41, 56, 57, 58, 78 and 86
It is the understanding of Ireland that in relation to Article 41, 56, 57, 58, 78
and 86 the word "feasible" means that which is practicable or practically possible,
taking into account all circumstances at the time, including humanitarian and military
considerations.
Article 44
It is the understanding of Ireland that:
a. The situation described in the second sentence of paragraph 3 of Article 44 can
exist only in occupied territory or in armed conflicts covered by paragraph 4 of Article
1: and
b. The word "deployment" in paragraph 3 of Article 44 includes any movement towards
a place from which an attack is to be launched.
Article 47
It is the understanding of Ireland that Article 47 in no way prejudices the application
of Articles 45(3) and 75 of Protocol I to mercenaries as defined in this Article.
Articles 51 to 58
In relation to Articles 51 to 58 inclusive, it is the understanding of Ireland that
military commanders others responsible for planning, deciding upon, or executing attacks
necessarily have to reach decisions on the basis of their assessment of the information
from all sources which is reasonably available to them at the relevant time.
Article 53
It is the understanding of Ireland in relation to the protection of cultural objects
in Article 53 that if the objects protected by this Article are unlawfully used for
military purposes they will thereby lose protection from attacks directed against
such unlawful military use.
Article 55
In ensuring that care shall be taken in warfare to protect the natural environment
against widespread, long-term and severe damage and taking account of the prohibition
of the use of methods or means of warfare which are intended or may be expected to
cause such damage to the natural environment thereby prejudicing the health or survival
of the population, Ireland declares that nuclear weapons, even if not directly governed
by Additional Protocol I, remain subject to existing rules of international law as
confirmed in 1996 by the International Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion on
the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons. Ireland will interpret and apply
this Article in a way which leads to the best possible protection for the civilian
population.
Article 62
It is the understanding of Ireland that nothing in Article 62 will prevent Ireland
from using assigned civil defence personnel or volunteer civil defence workers in
Ireland in accordance with nationally established priorities regardless of the military
situation.
Article 75 paragraph 4(e)
Article 75 will be applied in Ireland insofar as paragraph 4(e) is not incompatible
with the power enabling a judge, in exceptional circumstances, to order the removal
of an accused from the court who causes a disturbance at the trial.
Article 90
Ireland declares that it recognises ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorised by Article 90 of Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 1949. The exercise by the Commission of powers and functions in Ireland shall be
in accordance with Irish law.
Article 96 paragraph 3
It is the understanding of Ireland that the making of a unilateral declaration does
not in itself, validate the credentials of the persons making such a declaration and
that States are entitled to satisfy themselves as to whether in fact the makers of
such a declaration, constitute an authority referred to in Article 96. In this respect,
the fact that such authority has or has not been recognised as such by the UN or an
appropriate regional intergovernmental organisation is relevant.
IJsland
10-04-1987
Subject to a reservation with respect to Article 75, paragraph 4(h), of Protocol I
regarding the resumption of cases which have already been tried, the Icelandic law
of procedure containing detailed provisions on this matter.
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Italië
27-02-1986
It is the understanding of the Government of Italy that the rules relating to the
use of weapons introduced by Additional Protocol I were intended to apply exclusively
to conventional weapons. They do not prejudice any other rule of international law
applicable to other types of weapons.
The Italian Government understands, in relation to Articles 41, 56, 57, 58, 78 and
86 that the word "feasible" is to be understood as practicable or practically possible
taking into account all circumstances ruling at the time, including humanitarian and
military considerations.
The situation described in the second sentence of paragraph 3 of Article 44 can exist
only in occupied territory.
The word deployment in paragraph 3 (b) means any movement towards a place from which
an attack is to be launched.
In relation to Articles 51 to 58 inclusive, the Italian Government understands that
military commanders and other responsible for planning, deciding upon or executing
attacks necessarily have to reach decisions on the basis of their assessment of the
information from all sources which is available to them at the relevant time.
In relation to paragraph 5 (b) of Article 51 and paragraph 2 (a) (iii) of Article
57, the Italian Government understands that the military advantage anticipated from
an attack is intended to refer to the advantage anticipated from the attack as a whole
and not only from isolated or particular parts of the attack.
A specific area of land may be a "military objective" if, because of its location
or other reasons specified in Article 52, its total or partial destruction, capture
or neutralisation, in the circumstances ruling at the time, offers definite military
advantage.
The first sentence of paragraph 2 of the Article prohibits only such attacks as may
be directed against non-military objectives. Such a sentence does not deal with the
question of collateral damage caused by attacks directed against military objectives.
If and so long as the objectives protected by Article 53 are unlawfully used for military
purposes, they will thereby lose protection.
Italy will react to serious and systematic violations by an enemy of the obligations
imposed by Additional Protocol I and in particular its Articles 51 and 52 with all
means admissible under international law in order to prevent any further violation.
Italy declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Japan
31-08-2004
The Government of Japan declares that it is its understanding that the situation described
in the second sentence of paragreaph 3 of Article 44 can exist only in occupied territory
or in armed conflicts covered by paragraph 4 of Article 1. The Government of Japan
also declares that the term "deployment" in paragraph 3 (b) of Article 44 is interpreted
as meaning any movement towards a place from which an attack is to be launched.
The Government of Japan understands that the competence of the International Fact-Finding
Commisssion which it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement by the attached
declaration is effective only with regard to facts subsequent to the date of the said
declaration.
Joegoslavië (< 25-06-1991)
11-06-1979
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia states hereby that the provisions of
the Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating
to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I) relating
to occupation, shall be applied in keeping with Article 238 of the Constitution of
the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia according to which no one shall have
the right to acknowledge or sign an act of capitulation, nor to accept or recognize
the occupation of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia or any of its individual
parts.
Kaapverdië
16-03-1995
[....] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Koeweit
21-06-2013
The Government of the State of Kuwait declares that it recognises ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other Pary, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
Kroatië
11-05-1992
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Laos
30-01-1998
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Lesotho
13-08-2010
The Government of Lesotho declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special
agreement, in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation,
the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations
by such other Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva
Conventions of 12 August 1949.
Liechtenstein
10-08-1989
[....] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Article 75 of Protocol I will be applied insofar as:
a) sub-paragraph (e) of paragraph 4 is not incompatible with legislation providing
that any defendant, who causes a disturbance at the trial or whose presence is likely
to impede the questioning of another defendant or the hearing or another witness or
expert witness, may be removed from the courtroom;
b) sub-paragraph (h) of paragraph 4 is not incompatible with legal provisions authorizing
the reopening of proceedings that have resulted in a final declaration of conviction
or acquittal.
c) paragraph 4(i) is not incompatible with legislation relating to the public nature
of hearings and of the pronouncement of judgement.
Litouwen
13-07-2000
[....] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Luxemburg
12-05-1993
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Madagaskar
27-07-1993
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Malawi
10-01-2014
[...] the Republic of Malawi recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
Mali
09-05-2003
The Government of the Republic of Mali declares that it recognizes ipso facto and
without special agreement, in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting
the same obligation, the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission to
enquire into allegations by such other Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol
I additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949.
Malta
17-04-1989
Article 75 of Protocol I will be applied insofar as:
a) sub-paragraph (e) of paragraph 4 is not incompatible with legislation providing
that any defendant, who causes a disturbance at the trial or whose presence is likely
to impede the questioning of another defendant or the hearing or another witness or
expert witness, may be removed from the courtroom;
b) sub-paragraph (h) of paragraph 4 is not incompatible with legal provisions authorizing
the reopening of proceedings that have resulted in a final declaration of conviction
or acquittal.
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Monaco
26-10-2007
... declares, for the present, that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement,
in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the
competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations
by such other Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva
Conventions of 12 August 1949.
Mongolië
06-12-1995
In regard of Article 88, paragraph 2 of "The Additional Protocol to the Protection
of Victims in the International Armed Conflicts ('Protocol I') which states "The High
Contracting Parties shall co-operate in the matter of extradition", the Mongolian
law which prohibits deprivation and extradition of its citizens from Mongolia shall
be respected.
[By a note verbale addressed on 26 February 1996 to the depositary, the government
of Mongolia added the following clarification: The expression "deprivation" means
"deprivation of one's rights as a citizen of Mongolia".]
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Montenegro
02-08-2006
The Republic of Montenegro declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special
agreement, in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation,
the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations
by such other Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva
Conventions of 12 August 1949.
Namibië
17-06-1994
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the Protocols are binding on
Namibia, in accordance with Article 143 of the Namibian Constitution, which provides
that "All existing international agreements binding upon Namibia shall remain in force,
unless and until the National Assembly acting under Article 63(2)(d) hereof otherwise
decides.
21-07-1994
The Republic of Namibia declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special
agreement, in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation,
the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations
by such other Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva
Conventions of 12 August 1949.
Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der
26-06-1987
1. With regard to Protocol I as a whole:
It is the understanding of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that the
rules introduced by Protocol I relating to the use of weapons were intended to apply
and consequently do apply solely to conventional weapons, without prejudice to any
other rules of international law applicable to other types of weapons.
2. With regard to Article 41, paragraph 3, Article 56, paragraph 2, Article 57, paragraph
2, Article 58, Article 78, paragraph 1, and Article 86, paragraph 2 of Protocol I:
It is the understanding of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that the
word "feasible" means that which is practicable or practically possible, taking into
account all circumstances ruling at the time, including humanitarian and military
considerations;
3. With regard to Article 44, paragraph 3 of Protocol I:
It is the understanding of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that the
words "engaged in a military deployment" mean "any movement towards a place from which
an attack may be launched";
4. With regard to Article 47 of Protocol I:
It is the understanding of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that Article
47 in no way prejudices the application of Articles 45 and 75 of Protocol I to mercenaries
as defined in this Article;
5. With regard to Article 51, paragraph 5 and Article 57, paragraphs 2 and 3 of Protocol
I:
It is the understanding of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that military
advantage refers to the advantage anticipated from the attack considered as a whole
and not only from isolated or particular parts of the attack;
6. With regard to Articles 51 to 58 inclusive of Protocol I:
It is the understanding of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that military
commanders and others responsible for planning, deciding upon or executing attacks
necessarily have to reach decisions on the basis of their assessment of the information
from all sources which is available to them at the relevant time;
7. With regard to Article 52, paragraph 2 of Protocol I:
It is the understanding of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that a
specific area of land may also be a military objective if, because of its location
or other reasons specified in paragraph 2, its total or partial destruction, capture,
or neutralization in the circumstances ruling at the time,
offers a definite military advantage;
8. With regard to Article 53 of Protocol I:
It is the understanding of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that if
and for so long as the objects and places protected by this Article, in violation
of paragraph (b), are used in support of the military effort they will thereby lose
such protection.
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Nieuw-Zeeland
08-02-1988
[...] this ratification shall not extend to the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau;
1. It is the understanding of the Government of New Zealand that in relation to Article
44 of Protocol I, the situation described in the second sentence of paragraph 3 can
exist only in occupied territory or in armed conflicts covered by paragraph 4 of Article
1. The Government of New Zealand will interpret the word "deployment" in paragraph
3(b) of the Article as meaning any movement towards a place from which an attack is
to be launched. It will interpret the words "visible to the adversary" in the same
paragraph as including visible with the aid of any form of surveillance, electronic
or otherwise, available to help keep a member of the armed forces of the adversary
under observation.
2. In relation to Articles 51 to 58 inclusive, it is the understanding of the Government
of New Zealand that military commanders and others responsible for planning, deciding
upon, or executing attacks necessarily have to reach decisions on the basis of their
assessment of the information from all sources which is reasonably available to them
at the relevant time.
3. In relation to paragraph 5 (b) of Article 51 and to paragraph 2 (a) (iii) of Article
57, the Government of New Zealand understands that the military advantage anticipated
from an attack is intended to refer to the advantage anticipated from the attack considered
as a whole and not only from isolated or particular parts of that attack and that
the term "military advantage" involves a variety of considerations, including the
security of attacking forces. It is further the understanding of the Government of
New Zealand that the term "concrete and direct military advantage anticipated", used
in Articles 51 and 57, means a bona fide expectation that the attack will make a relevant
and proportional contribution to the objective of the military attack involved.
4. In relation to Article 52, it is the understanding of the Government of New Zealand
that a specific area of land may be a military objective if, because of its location
or other reasons specified in the Article, its total or partial destruction, capture
or neutralisation in the circumstances ruling at the time offers a definite military
advantage. The Government of New Zealand further understands that the first sentence
of paragraph 2 of the Article is not intended to, and nor does it deal with, the question
of incidental or collateral damage resulting from an attack directed against a military
objective.
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Noord-Macedonië
01-09-1993
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
18-10-1996
[...] decided on to succeed to the reservations and declarations made by the Former
Republic of Yugoslavia:
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia states hereby that the provisions of
the Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating
to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I) relating
to occupation, shall be applied in keeping with Article 238 of the Constitution of
the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia according to which no one shall have
the right to acknowledge or sign an act of capitulation, nor to accept or recognize
the occupation of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia or any of its individual
parts.
Noorwegen
14-12-1981
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Oekraïne
25-01-1990
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Oman
29-03-1984
While deposing these instruments, the Government of the Sultanate of Oman declares
that these accessions shall in no way amount to recognition of nor the establishment
of any relations with Israel with respect to the application of the provisions of
the said protocols.
Oostenrijk
13-08-1982
Article 57, paragraph 2, of Protocol I will be applied on the understanding that,
with respect to any decision taken by a military commander, the information actually
available at the time of the decision is determinative.
In view of the fact that Article 58 of Protocol I contains the expression "to the
maximum extent feasible", sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) will be applied subject to the
requirements of national defence.
Article 75 of Protocol I will be applied insofar as
a) sub-paragraph (e) of paragraph 4 is not incompatible with legislation providing
that any defendant, who causes a disturbance at the trial or whose presence is likely
to impede the questioning of another defendant or the hearing of a witness or expert
witness, may be removed from the courtroom;
b) sub-paragraph (h) of paragraph 4 is not incompatible with legal provisions authorizing
the reopening of proceedings that have resulted in a final declaration of conviction
or acquittal.
For the purposes of judging any decision taken by a military commander, Articles 85
and 86 of Protocol I will be applied on the understanding that military imperatives,
the reasonable possibility of recognizing them and the information actually available
at the time that decision was taken, are determinative.
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Palestina
26-03-2018
The Government of the State of Palestine declares that it recognises ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other Party, as authorised by Article 90 of Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
Panama
26-10-1999
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Paraguay
30-01-1998
[..] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Polen
02-10-1992
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Portugal
01-07-1994
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
22-11-1999
.... the Portuguese Republic will cease to assume the rights and obligations arising
from the Conventions and Protocols for Macao on 20 December 1999.
Qatar
05-04-1988
This accession shall in no way imply recognition of Israel by the State of Qatar nor
agreement to establish any relations whatsoever with it.
24-09-1991
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Roemenië
31-05-1995
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Rwanda
08-07-1993
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Saint Vincent en de Grenadines
04-11-2013
The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines declares that it recognises ipso
facto and
without special agreement, in relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting
the same
obligation, the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire
into allegations
by such other Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva
Conventions
of 1949.
Saudi-Arabië
21-08-1987
We declare hereby the accession of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a reservation
in respect of article 5 stipulating "Appointment of protecting powers and of their
substitute.
Servië
16-10-2001
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Seychellen
22-05-1992
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Slovenië
26-03-1992
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Slowakije
13-03-1995
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Spanje
21-04-1989
It is the understanding [of the Government of Spain] that this Protocol, within its
specific scope applies exclusively to conventional weapons, and without prejudice
to the rules of International Law governing other types of weapons.
Article 1, paragraph 4 and Article 96. paragraph 3:
These articles shall be interpreted in accordance with the Principle contained in
Article 2, paragraph 4 of the United Nations Charter, as developed and reaffirmed
in the following texts:
1. Operative paragraph 6 of Resolution 1514 (XV) of the United Nations General Assembly,
14 December 1960.
2. The final paragraph relative to the principle of equal rights and self-determination
of peoples, of the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly
Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United
Nations, approved in Resolution 2625 (XXV) of the United Nations General Assembly
on 24 October 1970.
Articles 41, 56, 57, 58, 78 and 86:
It is the understanding [of the Government of Spain] that in Articles 41, 56, 57,
58, 78 and 86 the word "feasible" means that the matter to which reference is made
is practicable or practically possible taking into account all circumstances at the
time when the situation arises, including humanitarian and military considerations.
Article 44, paragraph 3:
It is understood that the criteria mentioned in sub-paragraph b of Article 44(3) on
the distinction between combatants and civilians can be applied only in occupied territories.
The Spanish Government also interprets the expression "military deployment" to mean
any movement towards a place from which or against which an attack is going to be
launched.
Articles 51-58:
It is the understanding [of the Spanish Government] that the decision made by military
commanders, or others with the legal capacity to plan or execute attacks which may
have repercussions on civilians or civilian objects or similar objects, shall not
necessarily be based on anything more than the relevant information available at the
time and which it has been possible to obtain to that effect.
Articles 51, 52 and 57:
It is the understanding [of the Spanish Government] that the "military advantage"
which these articles mention refers to the advantage expected from the attack as a
whole and not from isolated parts of it.
Article 52, paragraph 2:
It is the understanding [of the Spanish Government] that the capture or holding of
a specific area of territory constitutes a military objective when all the conditions
set out in this paragraph together offer a concrete military advantage taking into
account the circumstances at the relevant time.
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Syrië
14-11-1983
...with the reservation that this accession in no way constitutes recognition of Israel
nor the establishment of relations with Israel as regards the application of the provisions
of the aforementioned Protocol.
Tadzjikistan
10-09-1997
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Togo
21-11-1991
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Tonga
20-01-2003
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Trinidad en Tobago
20-07-2001
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Tsjechië
02-05-1995
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Uruguay
17-07-1990
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Verenigd Koninkrijk
17-05-1999
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
02-07-2002
(...) has the honour to declare, on behalf of the UK Government, that its ratification
of the Additional Protocols shall be extended to the following territories for whose
international relations it is responsible:
Anguilla ; Bermuda ; British Antarctic Territory ; British Indian Ocean Territory
; British Virgin Islands ; Cyaman Ilsands ; Falkland Islands ; Montserrat ; Pitcairn
; Henderson ; Ducie and Oeno Islands ; St Helena and Dependencies ; South Georgia
and South Sandwich Islands ; Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia ; Turks
and Caicos Islands.
[...] the following statements in respect of the extension of the UK Government's
ratification of [ ..] to the above territories:
(a) It continues to be the understanding of the United Kingdom that the rules introduced
by the Protocol apply exclusively to conventional weapons without prejudice to any
other rules of international law applicable to other types of weapons. In particular,
the rules so introduced do not have any effect on and do not regulate or prohibit
the use of nuclear weapons.
(b) The United Kingdom understands the term "feasible" as used in the Protocol to
mean that which is practicable or practically possible, taking into account all circumstances
ruling at the time, including humanitarian and military considerations.
(c) Military commanders and others responsible for planning, deciding upon, or executing
attacks necessarily have to reach decisions on the basis of their assessment of the
information from all sources which is reasonably available to them at the relevant
time.
(d) Article 1, paragraph 4 and Article 96, paragraph 3
It is the understanding of the United Kingdom that the term "armed conflict" of itself
and in its context denotes a situation of a kind which is not constituted by the commission
of ordinary crimes including acts of terrorism whether concerted or in isolation.
The United Kingdom will not, in relation to any situation in which it is itself involved,
consider itself bound in consequence of any declaration purporting to be made under
paragraph 3 of Article 96 unless the United Kingdom shall have expressly recognised
that it has been made by a body which is genuinely an authority representing a people
engaged in an armed conflict of the type to which Article 1, paragraph 4, applies.
e) Article 28, paragraph 2
Given the practical need to make use of non-dedicated aircraft for medical evacuation
purposes, the United Kingdom does not interpret this paragraph as precluding the presence
on board of communications equipment and encryption materials or the use thereof solely
to facilitate navigation, identification or communication in support of medical transportation
as defined in Article 8(f).
f) Article 35, paragraph 3 and Article 55
The United Kingdom understands both of these provisions to cover the employment of
methods and means of warfare and that the risk of environmental damage falling within
the scope of these provisions arising from such methods and means of warfare is to
be assessed objectively on the basis of the information available at the time.
g) Article 44, paragraph 3
It is the understanding of the United Kingdom that:
- the situation in the second sentence of paragraph 3 can only exist in occupied territory
or in armed conflicts covered by paragraph 4 of Article 1;
- "deployment" in paragraph 3(b) means any movement towards a place from which an
attack is to be launched.
h) Article 50
In the view of the United Kingdom the rule in the second sentence of paragraph 1 applies
only in cases of substantial doubt still remaining after the assessment referred to
at paragraph (c) above has been made, and not as overriding a commander's duty to
protect the safety of troops under his command or to preserve his military situation,
in conformity with other provisions of the Protocol.
i) Article 51 and Article 57
In the view of the United Kingdom, the military advantage anticipated from an attack
is intended to refer to the advantage anticipated from the attack considered as a
whole and not only from isolated or particular parts of the attack.
j) Article 52
It is the understanding of the United Kingdom that:
- a specific area of land may be a military objective if, because of its location
or other reasons specified in this Article, its total or partial destruction, capture
or neutralisation in the circumstances ruling at the time offers definite military
advantage;
- the first sentence of paragraph 2 prohibits only such attacks as may be directed
against non-military objectives; it does not deal with the question of collateral
damage resulting from attacks directed against military objectives
k) Article 53
The United Kingdom declares that if the objects protected by this Article are unlawfully
used for military purposes they will thereby lose protection from attacks directed
against such unlawful military uses.
l) Article 54, paragraph 2
The United Kingdom understands that paragraph 2 has no application to attacks that
are carried out for a specific purpose other than denying sustenance to the civilian
population or the adverse party.
m) Article 51 - 55
The obligations of Articles 51 and 55 are accepted on the basis that any adverse party
against which the United Kingdom might be engaged will itself scrupulously observe
those obligations. If an adverse party makes serious and deliberate attacks, in violation
of Article 51 or Article 52 against the civilian population or civilians or against
civilian objects, or, in violation of Articles 53, 54 and 55, on objects or items
protected by those Articles, the United Kingdom will regard itself as entitled to
take measures otherwise prohibited by the Articles in question to the extent that
it considers such measures necessary for the sole purpose of compelling the adverse
party to cease committing violations under those Articles, but only after formal warning
to the adverse party requiring cessation of the violations has been disregarded and
then only after a decision taken at the highest level of government. Any measures
thus taken by the United Kingdom will not be disproportionate to the violations giving
rise there to and will not involve any action prohibited by the Geneva Conventions
of 1949 nor will such measures be continued after the violations have ceased. The
United Kingdom will notify the Protecting Powers of any such formal warning given
to an adverse party, and if that warning has been disregarded, of any measures taken
as a result.
n) Article 56 and 85, paragraph 3c
The United Kingdom cannot undertake to grant absolute protection to installations
which may contribute to the opposing Party's war effort, or to the defenders of such
installations, but will take all due precautions in military operations at or near
the installations referred to in paragraph 1 of Article 56 in the light of the known
facts, including any special marking which the installation may carry, to avoid sever
collateral losses among the civilian populations; direct attacks on such installations
will be launched only on authorisation at a high level of command.
o) Article 57, paragraph 2
The United Kingdom understands that the obligation to comply with paragraph 2(b) only
extends to those who have the authority and practical possibility to cancel or suspend
the attack.
p) Article 70
It is the understanding of the United Kingdom that this Article does not affect the
existing rules of naval warfare regarding naval blockade, submarine warfare or mine
warfare.
In addition, the UK Government hereby extends the following declaration made on 17
May 1999 in respect of the recognition of competence of the International Fact-Finding
Commission to the above listed territories for whose international relations it is
responsible:
"The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland declares
that it recognises ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other
High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence of the International
Fact-Finding Commission to inquire into allegations by such other Party, as authorised
by Article 90 of Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949."
The UK Government reserves the right to extend its ratification of the Additional
Protocols and/or its declaration in respect of the recognition of competence of the
International Fact-Finding Commission at a later date to any other territories for
whose international relations the UK Government is responsible.
Bezwaar Argentinië, 11-12-2002
[...] The Argentine Republic rejects the British claim to extend the application
of the indicated Protocols to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich
Islands, and to accept the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission
in accordance with Protocol I in relation to these territories.
The Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, adopted at Geneva
on 8 June 1977 apply to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich
Islands as being an integral part of the territory of the Argentine Republic, by virtue
of the ratification of the said Protocols by the Argentine government on 26 November
1996 and the acceptance of the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission
announced on 11 October 1966.
In relation to the Falkland Islands, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolutions
2065 (XX), 3160 (XXVIII), 31/49, 37/9, 38/12, 39/6, 40/21, 41/40, 42/19 and 43/25,
in which there is a dispute over sovereignty, and asked that the Argentine Republic
and the United Kingdom re-initiate negotiations with a view to find a peaceful and
definite solution to the dispute, with the mediation of the United Nations Secretary-General,
who will inform the General Assembly about any progress.
The Argentine Republic reaffirms its right to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands,
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the surrounding maritime spaces.
[...]
Bezwaar Mauritius, 27-06-2003
The Government of the Republic of Mauritius has the honour to declare that it objects
to the inclusion of the so-called "British Indian Ocean Territory" in the list of
territories mentioned in the Declaration deposited by the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland with the Swiss Federal Council on 2 July 2002 concerning
the applicability of the Protocol I and II Additional to the Geneva Conventions of
12 August 1949, adopted at Geneva on 8 June 1977, and therefore rejects the said Declaration
in so far as it purports to extend the ratification by the UK Government of the said
Protocols to the so-called "British Indian Ocean Territory".
The Government of the Republic of Mauritius does not recognise the competence of the
British Government to adhere to any international instrument on behalf of the Chagos
Archipelago, which forms an integral part of the territory of the Republic of Mauritius.
The Government of the Republic of Mauritius wishes to reassert the unequivocal sovereignty
of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.
Bezwaar Mauritius, 10-01-2020
[...] has the honour to register its strong objection against the extension by the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the so-called "British Indian
Ocean Territory", of the Agreements listed at Annex and in respect of which the Government
of Switzerland is the depositary.
The Government of the Republic of Mauritius considers that by extending these Agreements
to the so-called "British Indian Ocean Territory", the United Kingdom purported to
exercise sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago - a claim which is untenable under
international law.
The Government of the Republic of Mauritius wishes to reiterate in emphatic terms
that it does not recognize the so-called "British Indian Ocean Territory". The fact
that the Chagos Archipelago is, and has always been, part of the territory of the
Republic of Mauritius, and that the United Kingdom has never had sovereignty over
the Chagos Archipelago, has been authoritatively established by the International
Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion of 25 February 2019, on the Legal Consequences
of the Separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965.
In this authoritative legal determination, the Court declared that the decolonization
of the Republic of Mauritius had not been lawfully completed in 1968, since the Chagos
Archipelago had been unlawfully detached in 1965, in violation of the right of self-determination
of peoples and the Charter of the United Nations, as applied and interpreted in accordance
with UN General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, resolution 2066
(XX) of 16 December 1965, resolution 2232 (XXI) of 20 December 1966 and resolution
2357 (XXII) of 19 December 1967. Accordingly, it went on to hold that the United Kingdom's
ongoing administration of the Chagos Archipelago, as the so-called "British lndian
Ocean Territory", was an internationally wrongful act, of a continuing nature, that
engaged the State responsibility of the United Kingdom. It determined that the United
Kingdom is under a legal obligation to terminate its unlawful colonial administration
"as rapidly as possible".
The Court further determined that all UN Member States have an obligation to cooperate
with the United Nations in facilitating the completion of the decolonization of the
Republic of Mauritius as rapidly as possible, including an obligation not to support
the continuing wrongful conduct of the United Kingdom in maintaining its colonial
administration in the Chagos Archipelago.
On 22 May 2019, the General Assembly, by an overwhelming majority of 116 votes to
6, adopted resolution 73/295. By this resolution, it endorsed the Court's Advisory
Opinion, affirmed that the Chagos Archipelago forms an integral part of the territory
of the Republic of Mauritius, and demanded that the United Kingdom terminate its unlawful
colonial administration within a maximum of six months, that is, by no later than
22 November 2019. That deadline has now expired.
Moreover, the General Assembly in its resolution called upon Member States to "cooperate
with the United Nations to ensure the completion of the decolonization of Mauritius
as rapidly as possible" and to refrain from conduct that might impede or delay the
completion of decolonization. It further called upon the United Nations and all its
specialized agencies to recognize that the Chagos Archipelago forms an integral part
of the territory of the Republic of Mauritius, to support the decolonization of the
Republic of Mauritius as rapidly as possible, and to refrain from impeding that process
by recognizing the so-called "British Indian Ocean Territory". Lastly, the resolution
also called upon "all other international, regional and intergovernmental organizations,
including those established by treaty," to recognize that the Chagos Archipelago forms
an integral part of the territory of the Republic of Mauritius, to support its speedy
decolonization, and to "refrain from impeding that process" by recognizing the so-called
"British Indian Ocean Territory".
The Republic of Mauritius has, over the years, consistently asserted, and hereby reasserts,
its full sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. The Government of the Republic of
Mauritius therefore unequivocally protests against the extension by the United Kingdom
of the Agreements listed at Annex to the so-called "British Indian Ocean Territory"
and against the purported exercise by the United Kingdom of any sovereignty, rights
or jurisdiction within the territory of the Republic of Mauritius.
For the above stated reasons, which arise from established principles of international
law as authoritatively interpreted and applied by the International Court of Justice
and endorsed by the UN General Assembly, the Government of the Republic of Mauritius
does not recognize the extension by the United Kingdom of the Agreements listed at
Annex to the so-called "British Indian Ocean Territory", reserves all its rights in
this regard, and calls upon all States Parties to the Agreements listed at Annex to
reject the United Kingdom's extension of these Agreements to the so-called "British
Indian Ocean Territory".
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the
Republic of Mauritius kindly requests that the present objection be duly recorded,
circulated and registered with the Secretariat of the United Nations pursuant to Article
102 of the Charter of the United Nations.
15-06-2011
Her Britannic Majesty's Embassy ... has the honor to declare, on behalf of the Government
of the United Kingdom, that its ratification of Protocol I (...) extends to the Bailiwick
of Guernsey and the Isle of Man, in addition to the territories for whose international
relations the United Kingdom is responsible and to which these Protocols were extended
on 2 July 2002. In this respect, both the statements lodged on 2 July 2002 in respect
of the extension of Protocol I, and the Government’s declaration of recognition of
17 May 1999 in respect of the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission,
shall also apply to the territories to which Protocol I is now extended.
07-01-2013
Her Britannic Majesty's Embassy has the honor to declare, on behalf of the Government
of the United Kingdom, that its ratification of the above Protocols extends to the
Bailiwick of Jersey, in addition to the territories to which they have already been
extended.
In this respect, both the statements lodged on 2 July 2002 in respect of the extension
of Protocol I and the Government's declaration of 17 May 1999 in respect of recognition
of the competence of the International Fact Finding Commission shall also apply.
Verenigde Arabische Emiraten
09-03-1983
On accepting the said protocol, the Government of the United Arab Emirates takes the
view that its acceptance of the said protocol does not, in any way, imply its recognition
of Israel, nor does it oblige to apply the provisions of the protocol in respect of
the said country.
The Government of the United Arab Emirates wishes further to indicate that its understanding
described above in conformity with general practice existing in the United Arab Emirates
regarding signature, ratification, accession or acceptance of international conventions,
treaties or protocols, of which a country not recognized by the United Arab Emirates
is a party.
06-03-1992
[...]...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in
relation to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Zuid-Korea
15-01-1982
1) In relation to Article 44 of Protocol I, the "situation" described in the second
sentence of paragraph 3 of the Article can exist only in occupied territory or in
armed conflicts covered by paragraph 4 of Article 1, and the Government of the Republic
of Korea will interpret the word "deployment" in paragraph 3 (b) of the Article as
meaning "any movement towards a place from which an attack is to be launched";
2) In relation to paragraph 4 (b) of Article 85 of Protocol I, a party detaining
prisoners of war may not repatriate its prisoners agreeably to their openly and freely
expressed will, which shall not be regarded as unjustifiable delay in the repatriation
of prisoners of war constituting a grave breach of this Protocol;
3) In relation to Article 91 of Protocol I, a party to the conflict which violates
the provisions of the Conventions or of this Protocol shall take the responsibility
for paying compensation to the party damaged from the acts of violation, whether the
damaged party is a legal party to the conflict or not; and
4) In relation to paragraph 3 of Article 96 of Protocol I, only a declaration made
by an authority which genuinely fulfils the criteria of paragraph 4 of Article 1 can
have the effects stated in paragraph 3 of Article 96, and it is also necessary that
the authority concerned be recognized as such by the appropriate regional intergovernmental
organization.
16-04-2004
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Zweden
31-08-1979
[...] subject to the reservation that Article 75, paragraph 4, sub-paragraph (h) shall
be applied only to the extent that it is not in conflict with legal provisions which
allow, in exceptional circumstances, the reopening of proceedings which have resulted
in a final conviction or acquittal.
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.
Zwitserland
17-02-1982
[...] declares that it recognizes ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation
to any other High Contracting Party accepting the same obligation, the competence
of the International Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into allegations by such other
Party, as authorized by Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949.