CICR/VII/J. Nachtwey

The resolution "Strengthening legal protection for victims of armed conflict" provides a basis for strengthening international humanitarian law (IHL) in two areas where gaps have been identified: the protection of people deprived of their freedom, and mechanisms to ensure compliance with IHL. This resolution invites the ICRC to "identify and propose a range of options and its recommendations" regarding these two areas.

The "Four-Year Action Plan for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law" sets out a series of measures whereby States can enhance the implementation of IHL:

•     access for civilians to humanitarian assistance in armed conflicts;
•     protection of women, children and people with disabilities;
•     protection of journalists;
•     criminalization and repression of serious violations of IHL;
•     arms transfers.

States and National Societies underlined the importance of strengthening IHL in 84 statements during a plenary session on the topic. Those participants saw IHL as a vital means of protecting and assisting people affected by armed conflict.