Press release on the withdrawal of the declaration to Protocol Additional to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and relating to the protection of victims of international armed conflicts (Protocol I) on Russia’s acceptance of the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission

On October 22, 2019, pursuant to Executive Order 494 of the President of the Russian Federation dated October 16, 2019, the Russian Embassy in the Swiss Confederation sent a note to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs on the withdrawal of the USSR’s declaration accepting the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission formed under Protocol I.

The decision on the inexpedience of preserving the validity of the declaration was based on the analysis of the experience of its almost 30 years in force. Regrettably, the commission has not functioned effectively during its existence. In fact, it was not used for its designated purpose. The majority of the Protocol I signatories have not recognised the commission’s competence.

The withdrawal of the said declaration will not affect Russia’s participation in Protocol I, which continues to remain valid. Moreover, we have opportunities to cooperate with the commission if need be. According to Protocol I, such cooperation may be based on the consent of the parties concerned.