Published on 1 February 2026

The Interdepartmental Committee for International Humanitarian Law

Switzerland is obliged to implement and to further promote International Humanitarian Law at home as well. The Interdepartmental Committee for International Humanitarian Law (ICIHL) fosters and coordinates activities in this area.

Tasks

In 2009, the Federal Council established the Interdepartmental Committee for International Humanitarian Law based on a recommendation from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Over 120 States already have such a commission recognised by the ICRC.

The Interdepartmental Committee ensures the exchange of experience and information within the administration concerning international humanitarian law, its national implementation, and in particular its application in Switzerland. It guarantees coordination between federal authorities and maintains relations with academia, civil society, and other organisations and bodies dealing with international humanitarian law, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Activities

The Interdepartmental Committee takes part in training activities for members of the authorities and for persons outside the administration in the field of international humanitarian law. It also supports the ICRC in the annual update of its study on customary international humanitarian law by compiling new Swiss declarations, legal texts or judgments on the subject.
The Committee also plays an important role in the preparation of the voluntary report on the implementation of international humanitarian law, ensuring that all relevant perspectives and expertise are reflected in the document.

Composition and meetings

The Swiss Interdepartmental Committee is composed of representatives from the FDFA, DDPS, FDJP, EAER and FOPH. The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are invited to the Committee’s meetings as observers. Two regular meetings are held each year, and ad hoc meetings may be convened at any time.
The Directorate of International Law of the FDFA chairs the Committee and acts as its secretariat. Each year, the Committee adopts an action plan defining priorities and objectives. It also participates in regular regional meetings of the European Committees, contributing to the development of networks and the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches with other States.

Links

• Criminal Law Division (FOJ)
• Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland
• The national commissions on international humanitarian law (ICRC)
• Laws of war (DDPS) (de, fr)
• Protection of Cultural Property (FOCP)
• Export Controls of Armaments (SECO)
• Swiss Red Cross (SRC)
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• Training offer / Course registration (Defence Group) (de, fr, it)

Documents

• Activity Report of the Interdepartmental Committee for International Humanitarian Law (ICIHL) 2009 – 2014

  PDF65.32 kB2 September 2014

• International Humanitarian Law in the Security Council: Switzerland’s Lessons learned and How to strengthen IHL while serving on the Council

  PDF207.29 kB8 December 2025

International humanitarian law