On 22 and 23 March 2021, the Commission held its traditional annual meeting, for the first time in a virtual format.
During the meeting, the Commission took time to reflect on the past year and the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic. The Commission has adapted its working methods and was able to continue its operational work. The Commission took a number of decisions by means of electronic communications. Among other things, it re-elected the Bureau in line with the Rule of the Commission.
Throughout the last year, the Bureau held regular virtual meetings. This facilitated the preparation of decisions by the Commission, for instance to offer its good offices in situations of armed conflict. In 2020, the Commission has offered its services to Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as Ethiopia.
The Commission is grateful for the continued support by States. It was pleased to see significant and cross-regional support by 31 States and National International Humanitarian Law Commissions for a substantial pledge in support of the Commission. This pledge had been launched at the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.
During the annual meeting, the Commission also continued its deliberations in view of further enhancing its operational readiness. In particular, it took stock of the progress of Working Groups established in 2019 to streamline and update internal guidelines and working methods. The Commission also adopted the draft budget for the year 2022 which will be submitted to Member States for comments according to the established Financial Procedures of the Commission.
This was the last annual meeting of the Commission in its current composition. The States, which have recognized the competence of the Commission, will convene in November 2021 in Berne to elect the fifteen members of the Commission. The newly elected Commission will then hold its first annual meeting in spring 2022 in Geneva.
