Geneva Conventions and United Nations Personnel (Protocols) Act

Long title

To amend the Geneva Conventions Act 1957 so as to give effect to the Protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 done on 8 December 2005; and to amend the United Nations Personnel Act 1997 so as to give effect to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 8 December 2005

Summary

This short Bill enables the UK to ratify two international agreements to protect humanitarian workers and military medical personnel: the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions; and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel.<br><br><strong>Key areas: </strong><br><ul><li>Sanctions the Red Crystal as a new symbol to protect humanitarian personnel in armed conflict where the existing Red Cross or Red Crescent is not acceptable </li><li>Extends the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel to protect UN workers in two new categories: those delivering humanitarian, political or development assistance in peace-building operations, and those delivering emergency humanitarian protection. </li></ul>

Progress through Parliament

1. 1st reading· Lords

   17 December 2008 – 17 December 2008

2. 2nd reading· Lords

   27 January 2009 – 27 January 2009

3. Order of Commitment discharged· Lords

   23 February 2009 – 23 February 2009

4. 3rd reading· Lords

   2 March 2009 – 2 March 2009

5. 1st reading· Commons

   2 March 2009 – 2 March 2009

6. 2nd reading· Commons

   1 April 2009 – 1 April 2009

7. Programme motion· Commons

   1 April 2009 – 1 April 2009

8. Programme motion· Commons

   10 June 2009 – 10 June 2009

9. Committee stage· Commons

   10 June 2009 – 10 June 2009

10. 3rd reading· Commons

    10 June 2009 – 10 June 2009

11. Royal Assent· Unassigned

    2 July 2009 – 2 July 2009