Codifying IHL before Lieber and Dunant: the 1820 treaty for the regularization of war
Before the Lieber Code and Geneva Conventions came a treaty between the Spanish Empire and Simon Bolivar’s revolutionary forces in Colombia and Venezuela. The 1820 Treaty for the Regularization of War aimed at reducing the unnecessary suffering of both soldiers and civilians affected by armed conflict and occupation across a broader spectrum than any previous international agreements. However, despite the significance of such a development in international law, the treaty fell into relative obscurity after the Colombian War of Independence until being slowly reintroduced throughout the 20th century.
In this post, graduate student Jacob Coffelt from the University of Padua explores what can be considered the birth of international humanitarian law (IHL) in Latin America as well as the effects colonialism has had on its legacy. Using both historical and contemporary sources, he argues that the codification of modern principles of IHL had occurred decades prior to what is traditionally suggested.
Learn about the role “IHL ambassadors” play in the Asia-Pacific region and which they can play elsewhere in promoting, interpreting and developing IHL.
Discover how addressing military AI bias extends beyond technical solutions to include critical social aspects and the urgency of algorithmic awareness.
📝 Call for papers: International Review
The International Review of the Red Cross seeks contributions for its upcoming issue on "Protection of the Dead: The Contemporary Law and Policy Framework." This call aims to explore and enhance the dignified treatment of the deceased, emphasizing the importance under IHL. Contributions should address legal, policy, and practical challenges, with a deadline for proposals on May 21, 2024. Join this critical discourse to shape future practices and policies for respecting the dead.
The updated Commentary on the Third Geneva Convention protecting prisoners of war is being translated into Ukrainian. Commentaries on selected articles are already available and more commentaries will be posted as they are finalized.
Learn about the Colombian Constitutional Court's confirmation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) ratification on 28 February 2024, marking it the latest among 19 Latin American states to endorse the treaty.
Join the IHL RED Consortium and the ICRC at Roma Tre University for a hybrid conference where we delve into the opportunities and challenges of clinical legal education in IHL, engaging with IHL academics and humanitarian organizations.
Explore the ICRC's dialogue with the OAS Permanent Council on 27 March 2024, covering explosive weapons, cyber issues, and environmental concerns in IHL, attended by over 20 member states. Watch the full meeting.
🔖 Missed any of these?
Watch this ICRC video, explaining the concept of the "Digital Emblem" to protect those affected by armed conflicts online.
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