Kenya backs global push to enforce laws of war ahead of Amman conference
Kenya has reaffirmed its support for a global initiative on international humanitarian law ahead of a December 7 conference in Amman, Jordan. Nairobi wants the meeting's Political Declaration to produce practical steps, not just principles.
Kenya has thrown its weight behind international efforts to make warring parties respect the laws of war, The Star reported. The government reaffirmed its commitment to the Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law. A high-level conference on the initiative is set for December 7 in Amman, Jordan. Ambassador Njambi Kinyungu, the deputy director general for multilateral affairs, conveyed Kenya's position at a meeting with representatives of the initiative's six founding countries. These are Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa. The International Committee of the Red Cross also took part. Jordanian Ambassador Rulan Samara led the delegation. She presented a joint démarche stressing the importance of Kenya's participation in the conference. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Kenya welcomed the conference. It said Kenya hoped the Political Declaration would turn renewed political commitment into "concrete and practical recommendations". These should help states and other actors uphold and implement humanitarian law. Kenya praised the founding countries for leading the initiative. It called the effort timely, saying respect for the laws of war and the protection of civilians face growing challenges. Kenya also co-chairs the initiative's Prevention Good Practices Workstream…
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