Why do we need national IHL committees? Experiences, challenges and opportunities from Latin America

Abstract The creation of national international humanitarian law committees (NIHLCs) in Latin America over the past thirty-five years has been an important tool for the promotion of international humanitarian law (IHL) dissemination and implementation in the region. To date, all countries in Latin America have established an NIHLC, which is an important achievement in itself. These bodies have also developed a range of good practices that may offer valuable lessons both within and beyond the region. Considering the role and activities of NIHLCs in several Latin American countries, this article aims to better understand the importance of NIHLCs and how they can contribute to ensuring that the legal obligation to respect and ensure respect for IHL in all circumstances, including during peacetime, is fulfilled. The research also highlights the challenges faced by NIHLCs in the region, as well as best practices to keep them active through a balanced mix of dissemination and implementation activities. An analysis of NIHLCs’ compositions, as well as their relationship with other stakeholders such as the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and academia, is also provided. Finally, the article presents a brief analysis of a good practice involving Ecuador and Peru, two countries with active and relevant NIHLCs in Latin America, which illustrates the potential role that NIHLCs can play and the outcomes they can achieve. While this paper does not pretend to be a comprehensive assessment of all NIHLCs in the region, through an analysis of their regulatory frameworks and selected examples, it presents some conclusions and recommendations related to the work of NIHLCs. In a nutshell, it highlights the important role of these entities and offers several ideas on what NIHLCs can do to strengthen their impact on fostering an environment that promotes respect for IHL.