ROLE OF PROTECTING POWERS IN WAR AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO SAFEGUARDING HUMAN RIGHTS OF VICTIMS
The institution of the Protecting Power represents a cornerstone of contemporary international humanitarian law, serving to ensure the effective protection of individuals affected by armed conflicts. Its legal foundation is enshrined in the 1949 Geneva Conventions on the Protection of Victims of War, as well as in Additional Protocol I of 1977 to the 1949 Conventions. Widely recognized by the international community, the Protecting Power has become a central mechanism for monitoring the protection of human rights during times of war and armed conflict. It plays an important role in safeguarding the victims of war, facilitating independent and impartial oversight of the implementation of both treaty-based and customary rules of warfare. A notable innovation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions was the expansion of entities authorized to perform the function of a Protecting Power. Beyond neutral states, this role may also be entrusted to impartial humanitarian organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross. This extension has strengthened the protection of all categories of persons covered by the Conventions, enhancing supervisory capacity and reducing the discretionary powers of belligerent parties. The practical function of the Protecting Power contributes significantly to the humanization of armed conflict. By ensuring respect for the fundamental rights of the victims of war, it mitigates the suffering of those directly affected by hostilities and reinforces accountability among combatants. Furthermore, it exemplifies the international community’s enduring commitment to uphold human dignity even in situations of extreme adversity. In sum, the institution of the Protecting Power remains an indispensable component of the contemporary humanitarian and legal framework. Its role in monitoring compliance, limiting abuses, and protecting vulnerable populations underscores its continued relevance and effectiveness as a mechanism for safeguarding human rights during war.
Keywords: Protecting Power, human rights, international humanitarian law, 1949 Geneva Conventions, victims of war.
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