The Evolving Relationship Between the UAE and International Humanitarian Law Bodies

Abstract

During the last decade, the UAE has witnessed a marked increase in negative coverage resulting from military engagement during armed conflicts. Many reports are concerned about potential breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) occurring outside the UAE’s territory, but does this coverage warrant the attention of the UAE’s government and a shift in its behavior? To answer this question, this research studies the impact of negative coverage of perceived non-compliance to IHL and how this drives any shifting of a state’s behavior with parties who are taking part in armed conflict. It will contribute to an understanding of why different states seek compliance and demonstrate shifts in behavior with international laws and bodies through two different perspectives, including full compliance by the states involved, and changing attitude to promote compliance. The study will go through the mechanism taken by the UAE to ensure that the implementation of IHL involves measures including the establishment of local commissions and cooperation with international IHL bodies to promote compliance before and during hostilities. Close examination of other shifts in behavior will also be conducted by engaging with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in its capacity as an entrusted IHL body engaged as a guardian between parties of conflicts. The UAE has a deep commitment towards executing international standards and provisions, in order to enhance relationships with international bodies who are performing tasks under the name of the United Nations (UN) and this is a critical element considered by the UAE’s foreign policy. By contextualizing the UAE’s approach, this research examines further evidence of shifts in behavior between the UAE and international IHL bodies.

Date of Award	Dec 2022
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Ashley Rossiter (Supervisor)