The International Fact-Finding Commission: Steps taken by the depositary State

Extract

On 20 November 1990, the twentieth State made a declaration recognizing ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other participating State accepting the same obligation, the competence of an International Fact-Finding Commission whose task it will be to investigate allegations by any such State. Article 90 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 provides for the setting up of the Commission once 20 States have recognized its competence. The Commission will be competent to enquire into any facts alleged to be a grave breach as defined in the Conventions and Protocol I or other serious violation of those instruments and to facilitate, through its good offices, the restoration of an attitude of respect for the Conventions and the Protocol.