The Kenyan government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, ahead of a high-level conference in Amman, Jordan, on December 7. This initiative aims to strengthen compliance with international humanitarian law, which regulates the conduct of parties during armed conflicts. The conference will bring together governments and stakeholders to renew political commitments to protecting civilians and ensuring parties to armed conflicts respect the laws governing warfare.
Kenya's position was conveyed during a meeting between Amb Njambi Kinyungu, the deputy director general for multilateral affairs, and representatives of the six founding countries of the initiative — Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and South Africa — alongside the International Committee of the Red Cross. The delegation was led by Jordanian Ambassador Rulan Samara, who presented a joint démarche underscoring the importance of Kenya's participation in the forthcoming conference.
Kenya commended the founding countries for spearheading the initiative, describing it as timely given the growing challenges to respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. The initiative seeks to translate longstanding international legal obligations into stronger political commitments and practical action by governments and other actors involved in armed conflicts. International humanitarian law, also known as the laws of war, regulates the conduct of parties during armed conflicts.
The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols form the foundation of modern international humanitarian law. Among other obligations, parties to conflicts must distinguish between civilians and combatants, avoid indiscriminate attacks, and take precautions to minimise civilian harm. However, the continued suffering of civilian populations in conflict zones has raised questions about the implementation and enforcement of these obligations.
Kenya wants the forthcoming conference to produce more than another declaration of principles. The government expressed hope that the proposed Political Declaration would generate concrete and practical recommendations to strengthen the capacity of states and other actors to uphold and implement humanitarian law. Kenya also reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the conference and supporting the implementation of its outcomes.
The Amman meeting comes as international humanitarian organisations press governments to move beyond statements of support and ensure that existing legal protections are respected on the ground. The challenge is particularly significant in conflicts where civilian infrastructure, medical facilities, and humanitarian operations come under threat, while access to populations requiring assistance remains restricted.
Kenya is co-chairing the initiative's Prevention Good Practices Workstream alongside Australia, Austria, and the United Arab Emirates. The workstream is part of broader efforts to identify and promote practical measures that can help prevent violations of humanitarian law before they occur. By participating in the initiative, Kenya can contribute to international discussions on conflict prevention, civilian protection, and respect for humanitarian obligations.
Key points
- Kenya supports global efforts to enforce laws of war amid rising civilian casualties.
