Dear President, Dear Members of the Commission,
the activity of the Commission for the Study and Development of International Humanitarian Law begins today with the first meeting at the Foreign Ministry.
The Commission will be called upon to deal with issues that are extremely topical, in relation to which Italy has always shown a very high degree of awareness, in line with our long tradition of defending and safeguarding the rights and safety of those who are most vulnerable.
Undoubtedly situations of armed conflict cause the greatest suffering for those involved; international humanitarian law consists of a constantly evolving set of rules that aim to mitigate the consequences.
I believe a country like ours has the duty to equip itself with a body whose role is to study this subject in depth, and to promote its study, dissemination, and practical application.
In that sense, the presence in the Commission of highly qualified representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defence, the Military Magistracy, and the Italian Red Cross, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, provides an appreciable guarantee.
The establishment of the Commission will also enable Italy to be present in international fora where similar foreign bodies already meet periodically, beginning with the Fifth Universal Meeting of the International Humanitarian Law Commissions organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross, which will take place, virtually, from 29 November to 2 December.
So my best wishes to President Formica and his fellow Members of the Commission.
