ANNUAL REPORT 2015 PROTECTING CIVILIANS IN ARMED CONFLICT Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 MISSION FOREWORD 02 | 03

GENEVA CALL’S MISSION

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental Geneva Call also responds to requests from ANSAs to help build 2015 was marked by a number different political, conflict- internal codes of conduct, 8 Deeds of Commitment were organization dedicated to promoting respect, by armed their knowledge of, and capacity to implement, humanitarian related and financial upheavals that also affected Geneva signed by 5 separate ANSAs. 1’537 leaders, fighters, non-State actors (ANSAs) in armed conflict and other norms, and provides training and technical advice. In addition, Call efforts to implement its operational plans. These training instructors and representatives from ANSAs, local situations of violence, for humanitarian norms, in the organization may provide other assistance and services unexpected changes created the contradictions evident in communities and authorities attended awareness raising particular those related to the protection of civilians. within communities where ANSAs operate. this annual report. sessions and were trained on humanitarian norms. Geneva Call is currently focusing its efforts on banning the Geneva Call continued to accompany and monitor the use of anti-personnel mines, protecting children from the Geneva Call subscribes to the humanitarian principles of In fact, Geneva Call’s expertise in its core themes has been implementation of all theDeeds of Commitment signed by effects of armed conflict, prohibiting sexual violence in neutrality, impartiality and independence, and seeks to increasingly called upon in international fora, and its the 31 signatory ANSAs which remain active. armed conflict, and working towards the elimination of ensure transparency by informing stakeholders, including know-how has been sought on new themes such as Health gender discrimination. the States concerned, of its engagement efforts with ANSAs. Care in Danger and the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Throughout 2015, Geneva Call received a number of Armed Conflict. It has also pursued its work on defining a awards for its unique work. logic of intervention aimed at armed non-State actors (ANSAs) on the protection of displaced people and on All of these achievements would have been impossible potential new tools for engaging those groups. In order to without its dedicated, enthusiastic staff and local partners, FIGHTER NOT KILLER QUIZ: A UNIQUE DIRECTORY OF ARMED NON-STATE A MOBILE APPLICATION ON THE RULES OF WAR ACTORS’ HUMANITARIAN COMMITMENTS meet the urgent needs developing in re-emerging conflicts, as well as the full commitment of its Board of Trustees and Geneva Call has opened new programmes in Iraq and Advisory Board. We would like to thank them all warmly, Can a hospital be targeted if the enemy is inside and www.theirwords.org is an online collection of South Sudan. It also assessed its potential to add value by for despite financial constraints and occasional political targeting you? Can you enrol young people as commitments and policies made by ANSAs on developing a programme in Mali. However, concurrently, difficulties they keep working towards our primary combatants without ensuring that they are 18? international humanitarian law (IHL) and international the programmes in Yemen and Afghanistan had to be objective: better protection of civilians in armed conflict. Geneva Call’s mobile application quiz is designed to human rights law (IHRL) issues. It includes unilateral frozen due to a lack of funding, and Geneva Call had test users on their knowledge of humanitarian norms. declarations and statements, internal rules and difficulties maintaining support for other programmes in We are also very grateful to Geneva Call’s donors for their regulations, and agreements made by ANSAs with areas where humanitarian needs were still significant but constant support and trust as they accompany Geneva The quiz has two levels of difficulty and 28 scenarios. governments, inter-governmental or humanitarian where the international community’s attention was Call’s sustainable development and the implementation of Users are faced with true-to-life situations and organizations. The publication of such documents decreasing. its humanitarian mission. questions related to assisting the wounded, the use does not mean endorsement by Geneva Call, nor that of certain weapons, child protection, the conduct of the commitments made by ANSAs are compliant with Despite the challenges in 2015, Geneva Call worked in hostilities or war tactics. IHL and IHRL, nor that they have been implemented 19 contexts, engaging with 61 active ANSAs and and respected in practice. encouraging them to move towards compliance with Disseminating the law of war to warring parties, and humanitarian norms. In addition to improvements to their in particular to ANSAs, is essential to ensuring the www.theirwords.org contains over 500 online protection of civilian populations during armed documents. It fills a gap in available resources and conflicts. serves to better understand ANSA views on IHL and IHRL. To download it: http://www.genevacall.org/ mobile-application-rules-war/ Elisabeth Decrey Warner Bertrand Reich Executive President President of the Board of Trustees

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Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS 04 | 05

2 Mission ABC ABBREVIATION DEFINITION 3 Foreword 1977 Additional Protocols Additional Protocols I and II 5 Abbreviations and definitions 8 Geneva Call Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, Additional Protocol I and Relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts 10 Map of operations (Protocol I), 8 June 1977 12 Highlights 2015 Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, Additional Protocol II and Relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts THEMATIC AREAS (Protocol II), 8 June 1977 14 Child protection armed non-State actor: in the context of its mission, Geneva Call focuses on 16 Gender issues organized armed entities that are involved in armed conflict, which are primarily 18 Humanitarian norms motivated by political goals and which operate outside State control, thereby lacking legal capacity to become party to relevant international treaties. These A ANSA 20 Landmine ban include armed groups, national liberation movements and de facto governing authorities. Geneva Call also works with non-recognized States as well as in AFRICA situations of violence other than armed conflict if it is deemed that its action can have a positive impact on beneficiaries and lead to better protection for civilians. 21 Congo, Democratic Republic of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer 22 Mali AP Mine Ban Convention of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, 18 September 1997 23 Senegal 24 Somalia AP anti-personnel 25 South Sudan international and/or non-international armed conflict(s), as governed, inter alia, 26 Sudan armed conflict by the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and their two Additional Protocols of 1977 and by customary international law 27 Western Sahara CBO community-based organization ASIA Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional CCW Weapons which may be deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to have Indiscriminate 28 Afghanistan Effects, 10 October 1980 29 Burma/Myanmar CHF Swiss francs 30 India C 31 Philippines (The) a civilian is anyone who is not a member of State armed forces or of an organized armed group. Civilians are protected under IHL from the effects of armed conflicts. 32 Thailand civilian In particular, they cannot be directly targeted if they do not or no longer participate in hostilities. In addition, IHL also protects those who have been LATIN AMERICA placed hors de combat, for example, wounded and sick or detained combatants. 33 Colombia CSO civil society organization disarmament, demobilization and reintegration: the objective of the DDR process EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST is to contribute to security and stability in post-conflict environments so that 34 Iraq recovery and development can begin. The DDR of ex-combatants is a complex process, with political, military, security, humanitarian and socio-economic 35 Iran, Islamic Republic of dimensions. It aims to deal with the post-conflict security problem that arises DDR 36 Lebanon when ex-combatants are left without livelihoods or support networks – other than their former comrades – during the vital transition period from conflict to 37 Syrian Arab Republic peace and development. This occurs through a process of disarming combatants, 38 Turkey which takes them out of military structures and helps them to integrate socially and economically into society. 39 Yemen D Deed of Commitment Deed of Commitment for Adherence to a Total Ban 40 Operational support banning AP mines on Anti-Personnel Mines and for Cooperation in Mine Action 43 Communication, fundraising and management Deed of Commitment protecting Deed of Commitment for the Protection of Children 46 Financial report children in armed conflict from the Effects of Armed Conflict 48 List of engaged armed non-State actors 50 Thank you | Support Deed of Commitment prohibiting Deed of Commitment for the Prohibition of Sexual Violence sexual violence and against gender in Situations of Armed Conflict and towards the Elimination discrimination of Gender Discrimination

ERW explosive remnants of war E EU European Union

Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS 06 | 07

ABC ABBREVIATION DEFINITION ABC ABBREVIATION DEFINITION

Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded activities which aim to reduce the social, economic and environmental impact and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, 12 August 1949 of mines and ERW, including unexploded sub-munitions. Mine action is not just Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, about demining; it is also about people and societies, and how they are affected G 1949 Geneva Conventions Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, 12 August 1949 by landmine and ERW contamination. The objective of mine action is to reduce the risk from landmines and ERW to a level where people can live safely; in which Convention (III) relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, 12 August 1949 mine action M economic, social and health development can occur free from the constraints Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time imposed by landmine and ERW contamination, and in which the victims’ different of War, 12 August 1949 needs can be addressed. Mine action comprises five complementary groups of HD Centre Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue activities: mine-risk education; humanitarian demining; victim assistance; stockpile destruction; and advocacy against the use of AP mines. HR human rights MRE mine-risk education H Geneva Call uses the term humanitarian norms to refer to both IHL and those norms of IHRL, which should govern the conduct of ANSAs in situations of armed N NGO non-governmental organization humanitarian norms conflict or other situations of violence – regardless of their binding nature – in OCHA United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs order to improve the protection of civilians and other protected persons (persons not/no longer participating in hostilities) and the enjoyment of human rights. OHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

ICBL International Campaign to Ban Landmines Optional Protocol to the Convention Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, 25 May 2000 ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross O IDP internally displaced person situations of collective violence below the threshold of an armed conflict but generating significant humanitarian consequences, in particular, internal (other) situations of violence IED improvised explosive device disturbances (internal strife) and tensions. The collective nature of the violence excludes self-directed or interpersonal violence. international humanitarian law: IHL is a branch of international law that regulates armed conflict situations. It seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict by The International Institute of Humanitarian Law, in Sanremo, Italy, is a protecting persons who are not, or no longer, taking part in hostilities, and by non-governmental organization set up in 1970 to spread knowledge and promote Sanremo restricting the means and methods of warfare. Amongst other things, this means the development of IHL. It specializes in organizing courses on IHL for military that civilians and combatants hors de combat must not be the target of attacks personnel from around the world. or subjected to acts of violence such as killing, maiming, torture and other forms IHL S of ill-treatment, forced recruitment and hostage taking. Civilian property must be SGBV sexual and gender-based violence respected. The forcible displacement of civilian populations is also prohibited a 5,000-page text that is the outcome of eight years of research by ICRC legal unless required for the safety of the population or imperative military reasons. Study on customary staff and other experts who reviewed State practice in 47 countries and consulted IHL also calls on parties to armed conflict to allow impartial humanitarian relief international humanitarian law for populations in need. All parties to armed conflicts – whether States or ANSAs international sources such as the United Nations and international tribunals. – are bound by the relevant rules of IHL. UN United Nations international human rights law: IHRL is a branch of international law that can UNDP United Nations Development Programme provide protection beyond IHL. In times of armed conflict, States may suspend a number of human rights in situations of emergency. However, certain UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization I fundamental rights – such as the right not to be arbitrarily deprived of life, the UNHCR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees prohibition of torture and inhuman punishment or treatment – must be respected IHRL in all circumstances. Specific population groups, such as women and children, UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund benefit from additional protection. In addition to this international legal framework, UNMAS United Nations Mine Action Service the UNSC has adopted a number of relevant resolutions, including on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, on women, peace and security and on children UNMAT United Nations Mine Action Teams affected by armed conflict. U United Nations Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism set up by the UN Security ILO International Labour Organization Council to follow up on six grave violations of children’s rights in armed conflict: UN MRM killing or maiming of children; recruitment or use of child soldiers; attacks on legally binding rules, which may or may not be codified in treaties, that States are schools or hospitals; rape or other grave sexual violence against children; obliged to comply with if they are applicable to the situation in a given context abduction of children; and the denial of humanitarian access to children. (e.g. customary norms of international law, which are binding on States regardless international norms of whether or not they are party to the pertinent treaty, and which provide legal UNOPS United Nations Office for Project Services protection to the people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence in cases where there are no applicable treaty provisions). UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees UNSC United Nations Security Council principles and guidelines that are not legally binding but are widely recognized by the international community; they are persuasive rather than normative, i.e. UNSG United Nations Secretary-General States and private actors are not obliged to comply with them but are encouraged internationally recognized standards weapon contamination pollution by landmines, cluster munitions and other ERW to do so (e.g. soft law instruments such as: the Montreux document on private W military and security companies, the UN minimum standards for the treatment WHO World Health Organization of prisoners, and various sets of standards on the use of force). IO international organization

Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 GENEVA CALL 08 | 09

WHY GENEVA CALL GENEVA CALL’S DEED OF COMMITMENT

Deed of Commitment Today’s armed conflicts mostly involve ANSAs fighting Geneva Call also engages non-recognized States and in Deed of Commitment Deed of Commitment prohibiting sexual violence either government forces or other ANSAs. Although IHL situations of violence other than armed conflict if itis protecting children banning AP mines and against gender has established a comprehensive legal framework to deemed that its action can have a positive impact on the in armed conflict discrimination limit the effects of armed conflicts, violations are groups targeted and lead to better protection for civilians. widespread, and they are often—though by no means the signatory agrees in particular to always—committed by ANSAs. ANSAs cannot become parties to the relevant international treaties that GENEVA CALL’S APPROACH • prohibit under any circumstance • prohibit the use of children • prohibit sexual violence the use, production, stockpiling, (i.e. person under the age of 18) in all circumstances predominantly focus on the rights and obligations of and transfer of AP mines in hostilities and ensure that • take measures to prevent States. Consequently, ANSAs may not feel obliged to Geneva Call’s approach to ANSAs is progressive, inclusive children are not recruited into, • undertake and cooperate in and respond to acts of or forcibly associated with, respect rules that they have neither proposed nor to and constructive. Its key tool for engaging with ANSAs is an stockpile destruction; mine sexual violence which they have formally adhered. Sometimes, they are innovative instrument known as aDeed of Commitment; this clearance; victim assistance; armed forces • provide victims of sexual violence mine awareness; and various • release or disassociate children simply not aware of their obligations under IHL. Working allows ANSAs to formally express their willingness to abide with the assistance they require other forms of mine action in safety and security with ANSAs is, therefore, a critical element in any effort by humanitarian norms regarding a specific theme (e.g. in areas under its control • to further endeavour to eliminate • provide children with the aid to enhance their feelings of ownership of and respect for landmine ban, child protection and/or gender issues) and to any discrimination between men and care they require, in and women existing rules, thereby improving the protection that be held accountable to their pledge. In some circumstances, cooperation with specialized civilians require. Geneva Call works with ANSAs using other tools, such as a child-protection agencies, • ensure participation and involvement digest of humanitarian norms expressed as a set of 15 rules in areas where the signatory of women in its decision-making of behaviour for ANSA fighters. Geneva Call accompanies exercises authority processes at all levels ARMED NON-STATE ACTORS implementation processes and monitors the compliance of and, through the common articles to the three Deeds of Commitment, also agrees to all the ANSAs which sign Deeds of Commitment. Throughout In the context of its mission, Geneva Call focuses on the whole process, Geneva Call and its partners help ANSAs • issue the necessary orders within its organization for the implementation and enforcement of the engaging organized armed entities that are involved in to build their capacity to understand, implement and Deed of Commitment armed conflict, are primarily motivated by political goals enforce both the Deeds of Commitment and broader • allow and cooperate in the monitoring and verification of its commitment, notably by providing information and operate outside State control; they thereby lack the humanitarian norms. This includes training, capacity and compliance reports as well as allowing field visits and inspections legal capacity to become parties to relevant international building, the dissemination of materials and work with • consider its commitment as a first step towards a wider acceptance of humanitarian norms treaties. These include non-State armed groups, national CSOs/CBOs. Geneva Call’s approach is based on the principle • accept that the Deed of Commitment does not affect its legal status in conformity with IHL liberation movements and de facto governing authorities. that ANSAs should be stakeholders in these norms.

Workshop at the legal Support Unit Signed Deed of Commitment in a Palestinian Refugee camp. © Geneva Call Lebanon, November 2015. © Geneva Call GENEVA CALL WORKED ON FOUR THEMATIC AREAS IN 19 CONTEXTS, WHERE IT ENGAGED WITH 61 ACTIVE ANSAs 10 | 11

Key:

Child protection Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland Gender issues

Humanitarian norms

Landmine ban

18

08 16 17 15 AFRICA 14 07

10 09 01 Congo, Democratic 11 06 19 12 Republic of the p.21 02 ASIA 03 05 08 Afghanistan p.28 13 04 02 Mali p.22 01 EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST

09 Burma/Myanmar p.29 14 Iraq p.34 03 Senegal p.23

10 India p.30 15 Iran, Islamic Republic of p.35 04 Somalia p.24

11 Philippines (The) p.31 16 Lebanon p.36 05 South Sudan p.25

12 Thailand p.32 17 Syrian Arab Republic p.37 06 Sudan p.26

18 Turkey p.38 07 Western Sahara p.27 LATIN AMERICA

13 Colombia p.33

19 Yemen p.39

Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 GENEVA CALL HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2015 12 | 13

GENEVA CALL ALSO: Geneva Call worked in 1537 leaders, 19 contexts, where it engaged with fighters, trainers continuously kept its constantly 61 active armed and representatives responsive and highlighted in from local communities or international fora authorities attended training informative non-State actors the increasing need for (ANSAs), sessions on humanitarian norms communication or other thematic issues through greater means and resources encouraging them to move tools up to date, for humanitarian engagement towards compliance with 84 training sessions notably continuing to develop with ANSAs humanitarian norms its Fighter not Killer media and workshops campaign

8 Deeds of Commitment have been signed by 5 ANSAs © World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE)

© Geneva Call

strengthened © Geneva Call its position © Geneva Call as a leader in sustainable engagement with Geneva Call accompanied and ANSAs on humanitarian norms monitored the implementation Geneva Call notably of the Deeds of Commitment resumed concrete with each of the 31 still field activities in Iraq active signatory in order to reply to the conflict escalation ANSAs in 2015

Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 CHILD PROTECTION 14 | 15

Geneva Call has been working on child protection issues The UN Secretary-General’s 2015 annual report on children 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES since 2008, taking advantage of its existing dialogue with and armed conflict included 49 ANSAs among the 58 Deed of Commitment ANSAs on the landmine ban. It promotes the signature parties listed as perpetrators of grave violations against 4 ANSAs signed the protecting 6 new ANSAs, in Burma/Myanmar, Democratic Republic of children in armed conflict (hereafter Deed of the Congo (DRC), India and Iran, agreed to start a dialogue of the Deed of Commitment for the Protection of Children children. Furthermore, corroborated sources continued to Commitment): 1 in India (the Kuki National Organisation, with Geneva Call on child protection and/or the protection from the Effects of Armed Conflict, and it supports report allegations about the use of children in conflicts by KNO); 2 in Iran (the Free Life Party of Kurdistan, PJAK, and of schools signatories in implementing their commitments and other ANSAs not included in the UNSG report. the Freedom Party, PAK); and 1 in Sudan (the Sudan monitors these processes. Geneva Call sometimes People’s Liberation Movement-North, SPLM-N) 1,087 representatives from ANSAs and/or CSOs/CBOs, encourages ANSAs to make other types of commitments In 2015, Geneva Call engaged with 40 ANSAs on child including 137 women, attended 54 training courses or unilateral declarations, including those that contribute protection issues in 10 contexts. By the end of 2015, the SPLM-N became the first African ANSA to sign this tackling child protection issues in Burma/Myanmar, DRC, to preventing abuses and attacks on schools. Geneva Call 17 active ANSAs had signed the Deed of Commitment Deed of Commitment India, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria and Turkey considers its work to be complementary to the UN’s protecting children in armed conflict and had started, or all 17 active ANSAs signatory to the Deed of Commitment in several contexts, CSOs/CBOs contributed directly to actions, for instance, by operating in areas where the UN were continuing, to implement it. Several other active provided information on their implementation processes, monitoring signatories’ compliance with the Deed of cannot or paving the way towards the conclusion of Action ANSAs showed a readiness to engage with Geneva Call on and Geneva Call continued to monitor their compliance Commitment (e.g. Burma/Myanmar, India, Syria, Turkey) Plans within the framework of the UN Monitoring and child protection issues. with the Deed of Commitment and to convincing ANSAs to consider child protection issues Report Mechanism. and/or encouraging them to sign and implement the Deed ANSAs signatory to the Deed of Commitment took of Commitment (e.g. Lebanon, Syria) numerous implementation measures. In Burma/Myanmar, the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army Geneva Call positioned itself as a key organization within (KNU/KNLA) worked to remedy the reported presence of the child protection community, notably, during the UN armed, uniformed children in some areas under its control. Security Council’s Open Debate on children and armed In India, the KNO reported the appointment of a person in conflict and ANSAs, in March 2015 charge of bringing child protection issues to the attention of its committee; the National Socialist Council of in June, an unprecedented gathering brought together Nagaland–Khole Kitovi (NSCN-KK) disseminated the Deed actors in the fields of child protection and education with of Commitment and made revisions to its internal rules, members of ANSAs from Burma/Myanmar, Sudan and regulations and training curricula. In Iran, all 7 signatories Syria at a meeting on education which was organized by reported activities to further implement their obligations; Geneva Call and Protection of Education in Insecurity and following allegations of past child recruitment, the PJAK Conflict (PEIC) prepared a detailed implementation plan; the PAK declared never to have recruited children under 18. In Sudan, the Geneva Call—as a member of Watchlist on Children SPLM-N made strong efforts to give children access to and Armed Conflict—actively contributed to several education in the areas under its control and planned to consultative processes regarding documents prepared for create an internal child protection unit. In Syria, the the SRSG, UNSC and UNSG; it also actively participated in Democratic Self-Administration in Rojava/People’s the consultative process leading to the development of the Protection Units/Women’s Protection Units (YPG-YPJ) Safe School Declaration and was invited to speak at several started integrating the provisions of the Deed of side-events, conferences and workshops on issues linked to Commitment into their internal regulations, introduced a child protection new decree whereby all fighters under the age of 18 were no longer eligible to participate in military operations, created a committee in charge of internal monitoring and declared that disciplinary measures had been taken against contraveners of their obligations. The YPG-YPG also demobilized 21 additional children and discharged 55 16- and 17-year-olds from the ranks, relocating them to centres specifically created for them. In Turkey, the People’s Defence Forces/Kurdistan Worker’s Party (HPG/ PKK) announced an investigation into persistent allegations about the continued recruitment of children under 16 years old and declared that corrective measures would be taken A girl who was demobilized from the Kurdish armed forces, is reviewing her class material. Syria, March 2015. © Geneva Call

Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 GENDER ISSUES 16 | 17

2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES Training on gender issues for combatants from an Iranian ANSA. Iraq, November 2015. © Geneva Call 3 ANSAs signed the Deed of Commitment prohibiting 1,087 representatives of ANSAs and/or CSOs/CBOs, of sexual violence and against gender discrimination whom 137 were women, attended 54 training courses (hereafter Deed of Commitment): 2 in India (the Kuki tackling gender issues, sometimes together with other National Organisation, KNO, and the National Socialist topics, in Burma/Myanmar, Democratic Republic of the Council of Nagal-im-Isak Muivah, NSCN-IM); and 1 in Iran Congo, India, Iran, Sudan, Syria and Turkey (the Kurdistan Freedom Party, PAK) in several contexts, CSOs/CBOs contributed directly to all 14 active signatories to the Deed of Commitment monitoring signatories’ compliance with the Deed of provided information and reports on their Commitment and/or promoted gender participation implementation measures (such as dissemination, and implementation measures (e.g. Burma/Myanmar, training sessions, the inclusion of the norms in codes Colombia, DRC, Syria) of conduct, enforcement, equality policies, etc.), and Geneva Call continued to monitor their compliance Geneva Call participated in various events and meetings with the Deed of Commitment (through direct and linked to its work on sexual violence and gender issues. indirect sources) For instance, in Geneva in September, it participated in the conference entitled “15 years of UN Security Council implementation measures by signatories to the Deed of Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Review Commitment included: in Burma/Myanmar, the KNU/ and Outlook.ˮ It was invited to speak to a livestream KNLA started to disseminate the Deed of Commitment conference organized by the ICRC and CERAH entitled to its members and introduced its content into training “Responding to sexual violence in conflict: can we do programme curricula; in India, all 5 ANSA signatories better?ˮ in November. In New York, Geneva Call met were putting their implementation plans into practice. with the Women’s International League for Peace The KNF reported organizing training on sexual violence and Freedom (WILPF), UN Women and the Special in its camps and revising its disciplinary code. The KNO Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual announced having appointed a woman to bring women’s Violence on various occasions, to exchange information issues to the attention of its central committee. The and discuss further collaboration NSCN-KK reported on the dissemination of the content of the Deed of Commitment to its members and how discriminatory practices were dealt with within the organization. It also declared that it dealt severely with Geneva Call has been working on gender issues since conflicts. However, the progress achieved with ANSAs any cases of sexual violence; in Iran, all 6 ANSA 2009, taking advantage of its existing dialogue with ANSAs remained limited. Other concerns also persisted, including signatories reported implementing or launching activities on the landmine ban. Since 2012, it has been promoting gender-based discrimination in the structures and policies for the protection of women and girls and for the signature of the Deed of Commitment for the Prohibition of ANSAs and the under-representation of women in promotion of their role in Kurdish society. In Syria, the YPG-YPJ provided Geneva Call with information on their of Sexual Violence in Situations of Armed Conflict and peace processes. process of implementation of the Deed of Commitment towards the Elimination of Gender Discrimination, and it signed in 2014 supports signatories in implementing their commitments In 2015, Geneva Call engaged with 34 ANSAs in 9 contexts and monitors these processes. Geneva Call sometimes on gender issues. By the end of 2015, 14 active ANSAs encourages ANSAs to make other types of commitments if were signatories to the Deed of Commitment prohibiting they contribute to preventing abuse and promoting sexual violence and against gender discrimination and had gender participation in their organizational structures and started or were continuing its implementation. Other policies. This includes fostering women’s participation in active ANSAs showed a readiness to engage with Geneva decision-making processes and peace negotiations. Call on gender issues.

Sexual violence was widespread in many armed conflicts in 2015, whether perpetrated by government forces, ANSAs or other military entities. UN Security Council Resolution 1960, adopted in 2010, continued to frame efforts to combat and curb sexual violence in armed

Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 HUMANITARIAN NORMS 18 | 19

Geneva Call has been working to raise ANSAs’ awareness (UNSG) identified the need for humanitarian organizations 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES of humanitarian norms and to help them integrate these to ensure a more systematic engagement with ANSAs in 30 active ANSAs in 14 contexts engaged with Geneva Call 3 ANSAs followed-up on allegations of violations norms into their internal regulations. This work is done order to press them to comply with the law and ensure the on humanitarian norms, including 12 new ones— of humanitarian norms: in Lebanon, the PLO/PNSF using various tools, including a training module that distills protection of civilians and humanitarian access. However, i.e 3 in DRC (Alliance des Patriotes pour un Congo Libre announced that it had set up an internal committee the complex sources of IHL into a set of 15 rules of this type of engagement remained weak, and most et Souverain, APCLS; Forces Démocratiques pour la to investigate allegations of violations of humanitarian behaviour for ANSA fighters. Training on IHL is a good humanitarian organizations continued to focus their Libération du Rwanda, FDLR; and Nduma Defense of norms during an armed confrontation between its starting point for dialogue and engagement with ANSAs, relationships with ANSAs on getting access to the people Congo, NDC); 6 in Iran (Democratic Party of Iranian members and those of another ANSA. In Syria, the Islam especially when a Deed of Commitment process and/or a affected by conflict. Kurdistan, PDKI; Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan, KPIK; Army (IA) responded to the allegations of violations thematic approach are not relevant. Komala Party of Kurdistan, KPK; Komalah–the Kurdistan presented to them by Geneva Call. In Thailand, the Barisan By the end of 2015, Geneva Call was working on Organization of the Communist Party of Iran, Komalah- Revolusi Nasional/Runda Kumpulan (BRN/RKK) provided CPI; Kurdistan Democratic Party–Iran, KDP-Iran; Kurdistan Geneva Call with information following allegations of the In his June 2015 report on the protection of civilians in humanitarian norms with ANSAs and/or CSOs/CBOs in Freedom Party, PAK); 1 in Iraq (the Popular Mobilisation recruitment and use of children in hostilities armed conflict, covering the period from November 2013 14 of the 19 contexts where it was active. Forces, PMF); 1 in Lebanon (the Joint Security Force, JSF); to May 2015, the Secretary-General of the United Nations and 1 in Syria (Ahrar al-Sham, AAS) in Iraq, Iran, Syria and Thailand, ANSAs supported broad media campaigns aimed at raising people’s awareness of 1,267 representatives of ANSAs, CSOs/CBOs or local humanitarian norms authorities, of whom 178 were women, attended 71 training sessions promoting and presenting humanitarian Geneva Call held its first, annual Garance Talks, a series of norms in DRC, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, expert meetings aimed at promoting a better under- Turkey, and Western Sahara. These were often examined standing of the challenges ANSAs face in complying with together with the content of the 3 existing Deeds of applicable international law Commitment

3 ANSAs took measures to ensure compliance with their commitments or plans. In DRC, the FDLR announced that it was working on revisions to its internal regulations and agreed to get outside technical advice to improve compliance with humanitarian norms. In Mali, the National Liberation Movement of Azawad (MNLA) accepted Geneva Call’s help in transcribing its oral code of conduct, including rules about the protection of children, women and other civilians. In Syria, the Free Syrian Army (FSA) completed its code of conduct, including provisions about a mine ban, the protection of children and the prohibition of sexual violence

in Western Sahara, the Polisario Front declared, under article 96, para. 3 of Additional Protocol I, its commitment to apply the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I. For the first time in the history of IHL, Switzerland, as the depositary of the Conventions and their Additional Protocols, accepted its declaration, confirming the application of the law of international armed conflicts to the conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front

Training session for combatants of a Syrian ANSA. Syria, July 2015. © Geneva Call

Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 LANDMINE BAN AFRICA 20 | 21

WESTERN SAHARA: 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES the Polisario Front destroyed a further stock of 3,000 AP 1 ANSA in Iran, the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), mines in Western Sahara, Deed of Commitment while the remaining stockpile signed the banning AP mines SUDAN: the Sudan People’s (hereafter Deed of Commitment) remained unknown despite continuous advocacy by Liberation Movement – Deed of Geneva Call. North signed the most of the 26 active ANSAs signatory to the Deed of Commitment protecting Commitment provided information and reports on their children in armed conflict, implementation measures (such as dissemination, becoming the first African training sessions, enforcement measures and cooperation CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF: ANSA to do so; it started to on mine action), and Geneva Call continued to monitor 4 ANSAs began to engage in a dialogue work on an implementation their compliance with the Deed of Commitment (through with Geneva Call and agreed to continue plan. direct and indirect sources). it in 2016.

other non-signatory groups that Geneva Call engages with on this topic in Burma/Myanmar, Colombia, India and Syria have shown interest in learning more on CONGO, DEMOCRATIC this topic and some of them facilitated humanitarian REPUBLIC OF THE demining activities. Following groundwork carried out in the Democratic Destruction of stockpiled AP mines. in compliance with its obligations under the Deed of Republic of the Congo as of 2011, Geneva Call aims to Western Sahara, March 2015. Commitment, the Popular Front for the Liberation of © Geneva Call Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro (Polisario Front) engage with major ANSAs and influential community leaders destroyed another stockpile of AP mines in March 2015. in North Kivu province. It focuses primarily on raising their Since its signature in 2005, this movement has now awareness about humanitarian norms protecting children in Officers from a Congolese ANSA reading Geneva Call’s Since its beginnings, three years after the adoption of the destroyed more than 13,000 AP mines under Geneva armed conflict and prohibiting sexual violence. It operates illustrated booklets on the landmine ban. Democratic Republic of Congo, July 2015. © Geneva Call AP Mine Ban Convention in 1997, Geneva Call has been Call’s supervision. The Sudan People’s Liberation within the country from an office in Goma. engaging with ANSAs on the landmine ban. It encourages Movement–North (SPLM-N) dismantled 211 stockpiled AP mines with the support of a technical expert brought ANSAs to sign the Deed of Commitment for Adherence to a Armed conflict continued in the Democratic Republic of the in by Geneva Call. This was a first step towards the total 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES Total Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines and for Cooperation in destruction of the SPLM-N’s stockpiles following its Congo (hereafter DRC), particularly in the eastern provinces Mine Action; it also supports signatories in implementing signature to the Deed of Commitment in 2013. The of North Kivu, South Kivu, Orientale and Katanga. This 4 ANSAs began to engage in a dialogue and agreed to their commitments and monitors these processes. Geneva Democratic Self-Administration (DSA) in Rojava and the opposed the DRC’s armed forces, often backed by the continue it in 2016—the APCLS, FDLR, NDC and NDC-R Call sometimes encourages ANSAs to make other types of People’s Protection Units/Women’s Protection Units integrated UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), commitments and acts as a facilitator, when necessary and (YPG-YPJ) provided information about how they had against several foreign and local ANSAs. Fighting between the NDC-R, APCLS and FDLR provided Geneva Call with possible, between ANSAs and mine-action organizations, complied with their obligations under the Deed of ANSAs persisted along ethnic lines. Corroborated sources copies of their internal rules and agreed to receive Commitment, such as demining in Kobane and the especially regarding humanitarian demining. reported that widespread violations of IHL remained, technical support to improve them in order to comply with destruction of IEDs and booby traps found after retaking humanitarian norms, especially the protection of children perpetrated by all the parties to the conflict, including the this city from the Islamic State group (ISg, also known The number of ANSAs using AP mines has declined as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). recruitment and use of children and sexual violence against 2 ANSAs—the APCLS and FDLR—started to adjust their significantly over the past decade. Since 1999, the number women and children. However, in this context, it should be policies and practices in order to plan for the signature of recorded casualties caused by mines/improvised 715 representatives of ANSAs and/or CSOs/CBOs, of noted that child recruitment by armed forces has started to of the Deed of Commitment protecting children in armed explosive devices (IEDs)/explosive remnants of war (ERW) whom 33 were women, attended 38 training courses slow down recently, certainly thanks to the concerted conflict, following in-depth discussions initiated in 2015 has also continued to decrease. However, it increased by addressing landmine ban issues, sometimes in awareness raising efforts of child protection organizations. 12% between 2013 and 2014, with a worldwide total of conjunction with other topics, in Burma/Myanmar, the APCLS and FDLR engaged in a dialogue about the Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, prevention of sexual violence and gender discrimination 3,678 recorded casualties, of whom 80% were civilians ANSAs ACRONYMS Iran, Sudan, Syria, Thailand and Turkey and nearly 40% were children. Alliance des Patriotes pour 203 officers from 3 ANSAs (the APCLS, FDLR and NDC) un Congo Libre et Souverain APCLS in several contexts, CSOs/CBOs contributed directly to: participated in 10 training sessions and improved their Forces Démocratiques In 2015, Geneva Call engaged with 43 ANSAs on landmine monitoring signatories’ compliance with the Deed of pour la Libération du Rwanda FDLR knowledge of humanitarian norms, the protection of ban issues in 13 contexts. By the end of 2015, 26 active Commitment (e.g. Burma/Myanmar, India, Sudan and Mai Mai Kifufua Kifufua children in armed conflict, the protection of schools ANSAs were signatories to the Deed of Commitment Turkey); engaging with ANSAs to limit or ban the use Mai Mai Nyatura Nyatura and the prohibition of sexual violence banning AP mines and had started or were continuing its of mines; and facilitating humanitarian demining Nduma Defense of Congo (e.g. Burma/Myanmar and Colombia) (Mai Mai Cheka) NDC implementation. Other ANSAs showed readiness to limit 750 booklets on various related issues were distributed Nduma Defense of Congo – NDC-R to officers and combatants their use of AP mines or to facilitate mine action in areas lack of funding forced Geneva Call to postpone planned Rénové under their control. The Alliance of Democratic activities in Yemen Forces-National Army ADF-NALU following a workshop with 87 members of 19 CSOs/ for the Liberation of Uganda CBOs, 2 CSOs facilitated engagement with ANSAs and agreed to partnerships for the dissemination The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area of information on humanitarian norms ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 AFRICA 22 | 23

Tuareg fighters. Mali. © Maghrebia/Flickr SENEGAL

Since 2006, Geneva Call has been advocating an AP mine 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES ban by the Mouvement des Forces Démocratiques de Casamance (MFDC), in Senegal. Information dissemination no meetings between MFDC factions and Geneva Call took place and training sessions, organized with a local NGO, have encouraged MFDC factions and community leaders to allow the dialogue on mine action between MFDC factions mine action in inhabited areas. Advocacy through refugee and the relevant Senegalese authorities showed communities in neighbouring countries complemented this no progress, and humanitarian clearance operations approach. Since a meeting brokered by Geneva Call, contacts in Casamance, except some along sections of the RN6 between the MFDC’s southern faction and Senegalese national highway, failed to move forward authorities continue, however, not on humanitarian Geneva Call monitored the situation and remained demining. Geneva Call remains prepared to resume its prepared to resume its facilitation work if requested facilitation work on humanitarian issues if requested to do to do so by the parties to the armed conflict so by the parties.

There has been a decline in armed violence in Casamance, ANSAs ACRONYMS Senegal, even though peace negotiations between the Movement of Democratic authorities and factions of the MFDC have yet to bear fruit. Forces of Casamance MFDC However, the presence of weapon bearers and mines/ERW The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 MALI 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES and the precarious security situation continued to harm the ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area economy and civilian life in general. ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 Since 2013, Geneva Call has been carrying out desk and the MNLA provided positive feedback about potential field research on the security and humanitarian context in engagement with Geneva Call in Mali in order to raise awareness about humanitarian norms Mali. It has created profiles of the various actors in the conflict, especially ANSAs. Regular contacts with ANSAs, the MNLA welcomed help in transcribing its oral code the ICRC, INGOs, EU and UN organizations enable Geneva MFDC fighter. Senegal. of conduct, including rules about the protection of © Geneva Call Call to identify opportunities for and challenges to inter- children, women and other civilians or persons hors ventions in this volatile context where a variety of jihadi de combat, as well as hospitals, schools, cultural and separatist ANSAs are active. heritage and property

the MNLA also welcomed specific training sessions Insecurity continued with sporadic fighting between for its fighters about humanitarian norms ANSAs and Malian and French military forces. Clashes between armed groups, as well as terrorism and banditry the MNLA declared its wish to prepare a unilateral involving human, drug and arms trafficking, persisted declaration on the respect of humanitarian norms, along clan lines. In northern and central regions, IED and including the protection of cultural heritage, and its need mine attacks targeted Malian security forces and for legal advice on how to do this government outposts as well as vehicles and convoys. Attacks on peacekeepers continued too. Deadly bombings the MNLA proposed helping Geneva Call by liaising with other ANSAs attributed to Islamist factions hit hotels frequented by foreigners, including in Bamako, and prompted the imposition of a nationwide state of emergency. The ANSAs ACRONYMS

Government of Mali and some of the opposition Arab Movement of Azawad MAA movements signed a peace agreement, but more extreme Haut Conseil de l’Unité HCUA movements stayed away from the deal, thus weakening it de l’Azawad Movement for Unity and Jihad and undermining its nationwide implementation. in West Africa MUJAO National Liberation Movement of Azawad MNLA Al-Murabitun Al-Qaeda in the Lands of Islamic Maghreb AQMI Ansar Dine

The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015

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SOUTH SUDAN

Initial work by Geneva Call in South Sudan dates back to 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES 2001, during South Sudan’s independence-related armed conflict. Since 2015, Geneva Call has been considering a planned assessment of potential engagement with developing a programme in South Sudan within the frame ANSAs in South Sudan was carried out around Juba of the armed conflict that started again in December 2013. regular exchanges were maintained with an array It aims to engage with government opposition forces on of contacts in Juba humanitarian norms, especially those related to child pro- tection and gender issues. despite several attempts, contact with the leadership of the SPLM-IO had to be postponed Since armed conflict erupted in South Sudan in December 2013, clashes between government and opposition due to an extremely volatile context, a more in-depth assessment of field access and monitoring options was forces, particularly the SPLM-IO, continued unabated. deemed necessary to explore whether the conditions Confrontations killed or injured tens of thousands of were suitable for an initial engagement with the people. Targeted killings, sexual violence, destruction and SPLM-IO and other ANSAs on humanitarian norms looting of property, and other violations of humanitarian norms were rampant, committed by weapon bearers from all sides. There were reports of more than 1.6 million IDPs ANSAs ACRONYMS and over 500,000 refugees hosted in neighbouring Sudan People’s Liberation countries. Security and logistical constraints limited Movement – In Opposition SPLM-IO humanitarian agencies’ ability to assist communities. South Sudan Democratic Movement/Army SSDM/A The White Army Demining operations. Somalia. © Geneva Call South Sudan Liberation Movement/Army SSLM/A South Sudan Democratic SSDM- Movement – Cobra Faction Cobra Faction

The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area SOMALIA ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015

Geneva Call has engaged with Somali ANSAs since 2002. 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES While only a few remain active today, 17 ANSAs have signed the Deed of Commitment banning AP mines. The monitoring of the remaining active signatories’ The protection of civilians site near Bentiu, in Unity State, South Sudan, Deed of Commitment self-declared Republic of Somaliland has adopted similar compliance with the banning houses over 40,000 displaced persons seeking shelter from armed conflict AP mines continued, pending a review of the evolving in the area. South Sudan, August 2014. © UN Photo/JC McIlwaine mine ban legislation. Geneva Call’s role mainly involves situation and the potential integration of the ANSAs monitoring compliance with the Deed of Commitment into the Somali federal government’s armed forces signed by the remaining active signatories. The organization is also studying the possibility of engaging communication with Geneva Call's network of contacts more systematically with the ANSA Harakat al-Shabaab in Somalia and abroad explored the possibilities of al-Mujahideen. establishing contact with al-Shabaab

Fighting continued to pit the Somali armed forces ANSAs ACRONYMS and other forces supporting them against al-Shabaab. The Harakat al-Shabaab authorities nevertheless continued to pursue the al-Mujahideen al-Shabaab consolidation of a federal State. This included integrating Juba Valley Alliance JVA ✔ existing ANSAs into the Somali armed forces. In the north, Puntland State of Somalia PSS ✔ tensions lingered between the semi-autonomous region Somali National Front/ Somalia Reconciliation SNF/SRRC ✔ of Puntland and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. and Restoration Council Somaliland authorities Somaliland The protracted armed conflict continued to take a heavy The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 toll on civilians, and widespread insecurity hindered ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area humanitarian activities. ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015

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SUDAN WESTERN SAHARA

Geneva Call’s engagement in Sudan dates back to 2001, Geneva Call has been working in Western Sahara and the 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES when the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement/Army Dismantlement of 211 AP mines by the SPLM-N. Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria since 2000. With a local signed the Deed of Commitment banning AP mines, during Sudan, November 2015. © Geneva Call partner, and whenever possible, it supports the Popular the Polisario Front destroyed an additional stock South Sudan’s independence-related armed conflict. This Front for the Liberation of Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro of 3,000 AP mines, while the rest of the stockpile remained unknown despite continuous advocacy engagement progressively began to focus on other ANSAs (Polisario Front) in its efforts to implement the Deed of by Geneva Call operating in the Blue Nile, Darfur and South Kordofan Commitment banning AP mines that it signed in 2005. This provinces. Since 2010, it has also started involving child includes facilitating communication with mine action the Polisario Front became bound to the Geneva protection, gender issues and humanitarian norms in agencies regarding stockpile destruction and clearance Conventions and the first Additional Protocol when general. Geneva Call helps the signatories to the Deeds activities, including the removal of ERW. On various Switzerland, as the depositary of these treaties, of Commitment to implement them and promotes occasions since 2011, Geneva Call has also trained accepted the Front’s unilateral declaration wider humanitarian norms, including other Deeds of members of the Polisario Front on humanitarian norms. 14 military instructors and a representative of a newly Commitment yet unsigned. created human rights organization attended a training The armed conflict over Western Sahara broke out in 1975 session on IHL given by Geneva Call at the Polisario Hostilities continued between government troops and between Morocco, Mauritania and the Polisario Front. Front’s military academy ANSAs, mainly the JEM, SLM/A-AW and SLM/A-MM in the Since the 1991 cease-fire, however, Western Sahara’s Darfur and the SPLM-N in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan status has remained a point of contention between ANSAs ACRONYMS provinces. This resulted in millions of IDPs. The four ANSAs Morocco and the Polisario Front. As a result of the 1975– are grouped into the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF). 91 armed conflict, civilians continue to risk death or injury Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el Hamra and Rio Polisario ✔ Corroborated sources repeatedly reported allegations of from mines/ERW, particularly on either side of the Berm, de Oro Front

sexual violence, the recruitment of children, lack of the demarcation line between Moroccan-controlled and The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 respect for schools and healthcare services, looting and Polisario Front-controlled Western Sahara. ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 the destruction of property.

The Sudanese government continued to impose substantial limitations on international humanitarian organizations 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES The Polisario Front destroys seeking direct access to civilians affected by the conflict stockpiles of AP mines. and refugees from South Sudan. the SPLM-N reported on the measures it had taken Western Sahara, March 2015. to fulfill its obligations to the Deed of Commitment banning AP mines and confirmed its willingness to destroy 2 stockpiles of AP mines. As a first step, ANSAs ACRONYMS it dismantled 211 stockpiled AP mines with the support

Justice and Equality Movement JEM ✔ of a technical expert brought in by Geneva Call

Sudan Liberation Movement/ ✔ Army – Abdel Wahid al-Nur SLM/A – AW Sudanese signatories to the Deed of Commitment banning AP mines continued to work on its Sudan Liberation Movement/ ✔ Army – Minni Minnawi SLM/A – MM implementation

Sudan Peoples’ Liberation SPLM – N ✔ ✔ Movement – North the SPLM-N signed the Deed of Commitment

The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 protecting children in armed conflict, becoming the ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area first African ANSA to do so; it started to work on an ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 implementation plan

due to restricted access, no meeting with the military representatives of the three Darfuri actors (JEM, SLM/A-AW and SLM/A-MM) could take place and monitoring, even by third parties, was challenging

11 members from CBOs/CSOs and the SPLM-N, including 4 women, attended a 2-day workshop in Blue Nile province about humanitarian norms and the Deeds of Commitment

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BURMA/MYANMAR: 3 workshops in Burma/Myanmar involved 188 officers from the Karen National Union/Karen BURMA/MYANMAR National Liberation Army and the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army South Geneva Call has been active in Burma/Myanmar since 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES to improve their knowledge about the Deed of Commitment protecting children in armed conflict. 2003. While it continues to engage with ANSAs towards a ban on AP mines, it also seeks to promote and facilitate ANSAs signatory to Deed(s) of Commitment took mine action throughout its network. Since 2010, it has also measures to ensure their enforcement worked to raise awareness and secure commitments in the PNLO finalized its implementation plan for the relation to humanitarian norms protecting children in Deed of Commitment protecting children in armed armed conflict and prohibiting sexual violence and against conflict gender discrimination. while denying any violations, the PSLF agreed to INDIA: the Kuki National Organization signed the Deeds Eight ANSAs signed a Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement a verification process to investigate allegations of of Commitment protecting children in armed conflict and (NCA) in October 2015, a few weeks before the general non-compliance with the Deed of Commitment banning AP mines prohibiting sexual violence and against gender discrimination, elections held in November. However, many ANSAs, becoming the second ANSA from India to have signed all THAILAND: Geneva Call supported a public campaign including several key ones, did not sign the NCA. Moreover, three Deeds, while the National Socialist Council of Nagalim– 3 workshops involved 188 officers from the KNU/KNLA Isak Muivah signed the Deed of Commitment prohibiting on humanitarian norms towards clashes persisted between Burma/Myanmar government ANSAs and communities. and the RCSS/SSA-S to improve their knowledge about sexual violence and against gender discrimination. forces and ANSAs in Kachin and Shan states, displacing the Deed of Commitment protecting children in armed thousands of civilians. conflict

following awareness-raising activities, several ANSAs ANSAs ACRONYMS AFGHANISTAN welcomed MRE and working groups on this topic Arakan Army AA were set up in Kayah and Kachin states 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES Chin National Front/Army CNF/CNA ✔ ✔ ✔ On the basis of discussions and assessments that started members of Karen, Kachin and Mon CBOs learned the Ministry for Disaster Management and Kachin Independence in 2011, Geneva Call works with a local partner to help Organisation/Army KIO/KIA how to promote humanitarian norms relating to child Humanitarian Affairs committed to supporting Geneva community leaders enhance the protection of their Karen National Union/ protection, sexual violence and gender discrimination Call’s partner, The Liaison Office, in its programme to KNU/KNLA ✔ ✔ communities through dialogue with ANSA commanders Karen National Liberation Army within their communities help leaders strengthen their negotiation skills to better Karen National Union Peace KNU-PC/ on humanitarian norms. protect their communities Council/Karen National Liberation Army Peace Council KNLA-PC mine surveys and humanitarian clearance activities did not move forward significantly owing to pending The government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Karenni National Progressive KNPP/KA ✔ communication continued with a number of contacts Party/Karenni Army positive developments in the peace process (hereafter Afghanistan) continued to face major security with good relationships to ANSA leaderships Klo Htoo Baw Karen Organization/Democratic KKO/DKBA challenges. Foreign troops of the Resolute Support Mission Karen Benevolent Army a lack of funding for 2015 impeded the implementation remained in the country to train and advise Afghan forces, Myanmar National of planned activities MNDAA and at least two foreign governments maintained a Democratic Alliance/Army New Mon State Party/ ✔ combat presence. The armed conflict between Afghan Mon National Liberation Army NMSP/MNLA forces and ANSAs intensified, affecting most provinces. ANSAs ACRONYMS Palaung State Liberation Front/ ✔ Taan National Liberation Army PSLF/TNLA HIG and the IEA remained the main ANSAs involved. Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin HIG Pa’O National Liberation However, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and groups ✔ Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan IEA Organization/Pa’O National PNLO/PNLA allegedly affiliated with the Islamic State group (ISg, also (also known as Taliban) Liberation Army Restoration Council of Shan known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) slowly gained The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 State/Shan State Army RCSS/SSA-S ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area ground. Shan State Progressive Party/ ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 Shan State Army SSPP/SSA-N

The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 Community leaders in Paktia province. ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area Afghanistan. © The Liaison Office ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 Training session on child protection for officers from the KNLA. Burma/Myanmar, September 2015. © Geneva Call

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INDIA PHILIPPINES (THE)

Geneva Call has been engaged with ANSAs in India since 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES Geneva Call has been engaged in the Philippines since 2002, particularly in the north-eastern states of Manipur 2000, mainly promoting, monitoring and supporting the and Nagaland. Its work initially focused on the AP mine the KNO signed the Deeds of Commitment protecting implementation of the Deed of Commitment banning AP ban and has expanded to include child protection and children in armed conflict and prohibiting sexual mines. From 2010, it sought to broaden its engagement violence and against gender discrimination, becoming gender issues. Geneva Call conducts all activities outside with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to also the second ANSA from India to have signed all three India. Deeds include gender-related issues. With the peace process between the MILF and the government in place, support India continued to be challenged by security issues within the NSCN-IM signed the Deed of Commitment for the transition process increased and Geneva Call’s its borders, including conflicts taking place in the Jammu prohibiting sexual violence and against gender added value has decreased. Moreover, the absence of and Kashmir region bordering Pakistan, in the central part discrimination progress with some ANSAs and difficulties in establishing of the country and in the north-eastern region. Civilians or maintaining contact with others—which are currently the KNO submitted compliance reports on its 3 signed suffered directly from clashes between government forces no longer active—mean that Geneva Call is beginning to Deeds of Commitment, providing descriptions and ANSAs and/or between ANSAs, with regularly reported wind down its involvement in the Philippines. of the measures taken to ensure their enforcement allegations of violations of IHL, including the indiscriminate use of children in hostilities and sexual violence, and in the all the other signatories to the Deeds of Commitment Clashes between government forces and weapon bearers central part of the country, the use of AP mines. while not submitting a compliance report, did report from the BIFM/BIFF and elements of the MILF/BIAF on measures taken to fulfill their obligations Two MILF combatants listen to a session delayed the peace process between the government and on the landmine ban. The Philippines. the MILF/BIAF. However, the congressional review of © Guy Oliver/IRIN ANSAs ACRONYMS discussions continued with 3 ANSAs—the KNF, the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) for the creation of an NSCN-IM and ZRO—on improving the protection Naxalites Naxalites autonomous Bangsamoro political region resumed in of children Hmar People’s August. A large number of actors were preparing for the Congress-Democracy HPC-D ANSAs ACRONYMS ✔ the PLA engaged with Geneva Call directly, whereas BBL’s enactment after the presidential and general Kuki National Front KNF Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom local CSOs/CBOs initiated first contacts with the ZUF elections scheduled for May 2016. Sporadic clashes Movement/Fighters BIFM/BIFF Kuki National Organisation KNO ✔ ✔ ✔ and deepened the dialogue with the UNLF between government forces and other ANSAs, including Communist Party of the National Socialist Council Philippines/New People’s Army CPP/NPA of Nagaland-Khaplang NSCN-K the CPP/NPA, continued to occur, often in remote, 8 CSO representatives from Manipur attended a Moro Islamic Liberation Front/ National Socialist Council NSCN-KK ✔ ✔ ✔ impoverished areas of Luzon, Mindanao and the Visayas. Bangsamoro Islamic Armed MILF/BIAF ✔ of Nagaland-Khole Kitovi workshop about humanitarian norms and the Deeds Forces National Socialist Council of Commitment; however, a lack of funds forced the NSCN-IM ✔ ✔ Revolutionary Workers Party RPM/RPA ✔ of Nagalim (Isak Muivah) cancellation of all the other planned training sessions of Mindanao People’s Liberation Army PLA 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES Revolutionary Workers Party of the Philippines/Revolutionary RPM-P/ ✔ United National Liberation Front UNLF internal difficulties led the HPC-D to suspend its Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayo RPA-ABB regular monitoring confirmed compliance by the Zeliangrong United Front ZUF engagement with Geneva Call, whereas following Brigade Deed of Commitment the NSCN-K’s split in March, Geneva Call lost its focal signatories to the banning Zomi Re-unification ✔ ✔ The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 Organisation ZRO AP mines contact person with the group ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 in view of the evolution of the situation and ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 the reduction of Geneva Call’s added value, the Signature of the Deed of organization began to explore phasing out its activities Commitment prohibiting sexual violence and against gender discrimination. the gender programme was suspended due to a lack © Geneva Call of funding

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THAILAND COLOMBIA: a first area in the Antioquia department was cleared COLOMBIA: the FARC-EP revised its In Thailand, Geneva Call helps build the capacity of CBOs/ 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES of mine/ERW after the Colombian internal policy regarding female CSOs to disseminate knowledge about humanitarian government and the FARC-EP combatants’ pregnancies so that illustrated booklets and posters in the Thai and signed a pilot humanitarian abortions could only be undertaken norms to communities. with the woman’s consent. Malay languages helped local CSOs promote demining agreement. humanitarian rules Although armed violence in southern Thailand rarely makes international headlines, in 11 years, an alleged regular monitoring of the press and experts’ reports 6,500 people have died and nearly 10,000 have been revealed a decrease in the number of unlawful injured due to violence related to the conflict. Most of the incidents, although violations of humanitarian norms COLOMBIA: the National Liberation people were not or no longer participating in hostilities. by ANSAs continued Army declared its willingness to ANSAs, including the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, which adhere to the Deed of Commitment most analysts consider to be the largest of the estimated prohibiting sexual violence and six groups active in the area, have been seeking self- against gender discrimination and the FARC-EP also showed interest determination for ethnic Malays in Thailand’s Deep South and potential to sign. since 2004. Meeting with leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) on child protection and demining issues. Cuba, April 2015. © Geneva Call COLOMBIA

Geneva Call has been working in Colombia since 2003, 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES promoting humanitarian norms regarding the AP mine ban, child protection and sexual violence. In its dialogue with a first area in the Antioquia department was cleared of ANSAs, Geneva Call also tackles the participation of women mine/ERW after the Colombian government and the FARC-EP signed a pilot humanitarian demining agreement in peace negotiations and advocates for the inclusion of a gender-sensitive approach to DDR. Furthermore, in 35 members of CBOs/CSOs and local authorities from the partnership with CBOs, Geneva Call supports affected Cauca and Nariño departments improved their knowledge communities requesting humanitarian mine action, of mine action during a training event including demining, in their areas. the FARC-EP raised its age limit for recruitment from Peace negotiations, initiated in 2012 between the Colombian 15 to 17 years old and prepared a draft DDR protocol for children government and the FARC-EP, progressed in 2015. The FARC- EP declared a new unilateral ceasefire; the Colombian the ELN declared its willingness to adhere to the Deed of government decided on a gradual deescalation of military Commitment prohibiting sexual violence and against operations. Both announced the signing of a final peace gender discrimination and the FARC-EP also showed agreement in 2016. The beginning of official peace talks interest and potential to sign between the government and the ELN was still under discussion. the FARC-EP revised its internal policy regarding female combatants’ pregnancies so that abortions could only be undertaken with the woman’s consent Meanwhile, armed confrontations continued to affect civilians—particularly in rural areas—causing displacements, former female combatants, introduced by Geneva Call, new victims of AP mines/ERW, child recruitment and other worked with the FARC-EP to strengthen the gender IHL violations. perspective in the peace and DDR processes

the ELN expressed its readiness to work on proposals ANSAs ACRONYMS regarding mine ban, child protection and gender issues as National Liberation Army ELN soon as official peace negotiations with the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces government begin of Colombia – People’s Army FARC-EP members of the ELN in Bellavista prison participated in a ’ The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 Geneva Call s public campaign ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area pilot survey of imprisoned ANSA members who had been on humanitarian norms. ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 victims of mines/ERW or other combat injuries © Geneva Call

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TURKEY: the People’s Defence Forces/ SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC: the YPG-YPJ IRAQ: 20 political figures in Kurdistan Worker’s Party took steps took measures to comply with the Deed of Iraq signed a humanitarian to investigate persisting allegations Commitment protecting children in armed declaration and several ANSAs regarding the recruitment of children conflict and introduced a new decree whereby showed a strong interest in IRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF under 16 years old, in violation of its all fighters under the age of 18 could no longer collaborating with Geneva Call signature of the Deed of Commitment participate in military operations. to improve their knowledge of Geneva Call has been working with Iranian Kurdish ANSAs 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES humanitarian norms. protecting children in armed conflict. on the AP mine ban since 2001 and on child protection and gender issues since 2010. It helps ANSAs implement and the PAK signed all three Deeds of Commitment and comply with the Deeds of Commitment which they have started to implement them, including organizing a training event on humanitarian norms attended already signed, while continuing to promote the Deeds LEBANON: the Tahaluf and Palestinian by 22 of its fighters, including 4 women Liberation Organization/Palestinian which they have not. Geneva Call organizes and provides National Security Forces explored ways training on its Deeds of Commitment and on humanitarian the PJAK signed the Deed of Commitment protecting to improve their members’ behaviour norms. Dialogue and activities with the ANSAs concerned in line with their 2013 pledge on child children in armed conflict, with one reservation, however, SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC: around 380 ANSA IRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF: take place in the region and in Europe. and it reported needing additional internal discussions on protection in armed conflict as well as fighters from the Islam Army, the Free Syrian the Kurdistan Freedom Party gender issues before signing the relevant Deed protecting schools and education. Army – affiliated groups and the Democratic in Iran signed all three Deeds Self-Administration in Rojava/People’s of Commitment and started Although most of the Iranian Kurdish ANSAs had suspended all the Iranian Kurdish ANSA signatories provided the Protection Units/Women’s Protection Units to implement them, while their military operations, occasional armed clashes occurred necessary information for their compliance reports (YPG-YPJ) attended 17 training sessions on the PJAK signed the Deed of between Iranian security forces and the PJAK. Other ANSAs humanitarian norms. In several cases noted Commitment protecting to the Deeds of Commitment changes in behaviour have been reported. children in armed conflict. stated that they were prepared to resume their armed IRAQ struggle, should the situation require it. all 7 Iranian Kurdish ANSAs (the PDKI, PJAK, KPIK, KPK, Komalah-CPI, KDP-Iran and PAK) expressed their Geneva Call has been working in Iraqi Kurdistan since 2001 Following the military activities of the Islamic State group commitment to deepening the dialogue with Geneva Call and has built trusting relationships with both the Kurdistan (ISg, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) in the on humanitarian norms and organizing specific training Regional Government and its Peshmerga (fighters) forces. Sinjar area of Iraq, the Iranian Kurdish ANSAs offered their sessions on this theme Since 2015, it has sought to engage with other Shia, Kurdish support to the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and and Sunni ANSAs participating in the armed conflict and some, such as the PAK, have been involved in the fighting accused of committing violations of humanitarian norms. In inside Iraq. Signature of Geneva Call’s three Deeds of Commitment addition, Geneva Call works with CBOs/CSOs and other by the PAK. Iraq, June 2015. relevant stakeholders that can act as intermediaries and © Geneva Call ANSAs ACRONYMS facilitate engagement with ANSAs. A public communication campaign helped to reach out to communities and political Democratic Party of Iranian ✔ ✔ ✔ Kurdistan PDKI leaders as well as ANSAs and their constituencies. Launch of the Iraqi programme at the high-level ✔ meeting organized by the Middle East Research Institute. Free Life Party of Kurdistan PJAK ✔ Iraq, November 2015. © Geneva Call Komala Party of Iranian ✔ ✔ ✔ Since December 2013, with the geographic expansion of the Kurdistan KPIK Islamic State group (ISg), also known as the Islamic State of Komala Party of Kurdistan KPK ✔ ✔ ✔ Iraq and Syria) operations, armed conflict has continued Komalah – The Kurdistan 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES Organization of the Communist Komalah-CPI ✔ ✔ ✔ unabated. It opposed the ISg to government forces Party of Iran supported by an international coalition of 40 countries, the PMF and Peshmerga forces representatives decided Kurdistan Democratic Party – KDP-Iran ✔ ✔ ✔ Popular Mobilisation Forces—mainly Shia ANSAs which are Iran to support Geneva Call’s programme in Iraq not legally subordinated to the regular armed forces—and Kurdistan Freedom Party PAK ✔ ✔ ✔

the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Peshmerga the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 forces. Kurdish ANSAs from Iran, Turkey and Syria are also Government welcomed Geneva Call’s intervention ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 involved in the fight against the ISg. disseminating humanitarian norms to ANSAs and civil society actors Violations of humanitarian norms by weapon bearers on all 20 political figures signed a humanitarian declaration sides were allegedly widespread. Since the beginning of 2014, corroborated reports have alleged the displacement several ANSAs showed a strong interest in collaborating of at least 3.3 million people. with Geneva Call to improve their knowledge of humanitarian norms and of the content of the Deeds ANSAs ACRONYMS of Commitment

Affiliate groups of the Popular Mobilisation Forces PMF CSOs and tribal leaders were sensitized and welcomed the opportunity to be further trained about humanitarian Sunni ANSAs and Islamic State Sunni group/Islamic State of Iraq norms and how to disseminate knowledge about these and Syria ANSAs to ANSAs and communities Kurdish Forces

The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 the public Fighter not Killer campaign was developed ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area further and launched ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST 36 | 37

Training session using Fighter not Killer mobile LEBANON application for combatants from a Syrian ANSA. © Geneva Call Geneva Call began working in Lebanon in 2005 owing to the 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES extensive AP mine/ERW contamination. Since 2010, it has been working on humanitarian norms, including child the Tahaluf and PLO/PNSF explored ways to improve ’ protection, with Palestinian ANSAs in the refugee camps. It their members behaviour in line with their 2013 pledge on child protection in armed conflict as well as protecting supports training, especially for trainers of ANSA security schools and education forces, and it partners with CBOs/CSOs to raise awareness about these norms. Since 2013, Geneva Call and a local a survey on the risks affecting children in Palestinian partner have also been engaging with Lebanese political camps confirmed the need for the Tahaluf and PLO/PNSF parties and relevant communities on the humanitarian to enforce appropriate behaviour in line with their pledge norms applicable to the violence resulting from ethnic or on child protection sectarian tensions and the Syrian armed conflict. SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC the PLO/PNSF and Islamic ANSAs engaged with Geneva Call after an assessment of alleged violations of The armed conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic (hereafter Since 2012, Geneva Call has been raising awareness about 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES humanitarian norms during clashes in Ain al-Hilweh camp Syria) and its spillover effects continued to have ramifications humanitarian norms among the ANSAs operating in the approximately 380 ANSA fighters from the IA, in Lebanon, fuelling longstanding ethnic or sectarian the Legal Support Unit (LSU) trained 109 commanders Syrian armed conflict. Its primary targets include the Free FSA-affiliated groups and the YPG-YPJ, including tensions. Pre-existing political tensions and clashes from the newly created Palestinian National Security Syrian Army and its affiliated brigades, the Islamic ANSAs many commanders, attended 17 training sessions increased, particularly sectarian violence between Shias and Force (PNSF) and their affiliated brigades and Kurdish ANSAs. Meetings on humanitarian norms; in several cases, noted Sunnis. Various Syrian ANSAs operated in Lebanese territory and trainings, held also for representatives of civil society, behavioural change was reported and the Lebanese Hezbollah remained involved in the Syrian the Azzm wa Saadeh and Marada political parties and contribute directly to the promotion of humanitarian the Democratic Party (DP) initiated a dialogue with armed conflict. norms and the Deeds of Commitment among the ANSAs. A an advanced IHL training session took place in Geneva Geneva Call on humanitarian norms, and 27 cadres of for 11 FSA commanders; a joint humanitarian the Azzm wa Saadeh attended a training workshop broad public communication campaign also supports The situation deteriorated in the 12 camps that host around these efforts. Activities are conducted on Syrian territory declaration was also discussed half of the 450,000 Palestinian refugees registered in the Future Movement, Hezbollah, Lebanese Forces (LF), and in neighbouring countries. the YPG-YPJ provided information on their compliance Lebanon by UNRWA, particularly because of additional Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) and Free Patriotic with the Deeds of Commitment banning AP mines Movement (FPM) continued to talk with Geneva Call pressure exerted by some 44,000 new Palestinian refugees The Syrian Arab Republic (hereafter Syria) remained in the and prohibiting sexual violence and against gender about humanitarian norms; most agreed to deepen from Syria. This situation augmented the risks of clashes, grip of an armed conflict between Syrian government discrimination working relations child recruitment, sexual violence and other abuses. forces and numerous ANSAs, some of which were also the YPG-YPJ took measures to comply with the Deed 18 leaders of the Future Movement’s Youth Sector fighting among themselves. In September 2015, the armed of Commitment protecting children in armed conflict attended a training event for trainers, and some conflict escalated, with the Russian Federation initiating ANSAs ACRONYMS and introduced a new decree whereby all fighters participants later gave their first courses on humanitarian airstrikes against certain ANSAs, brigades and the Islamic under the age of 18 could no longer participate in Forces of the Palestinian norms and peace building State group (ISg, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq National Coalition Tahaluf military operations and Syria). The airstrikes against the ISg were in parallel to Hezbollah 23 members of 2 CSOs from the Syrian refugee those of a coalition of third-party States. No immediate 18 lawyers and activists close to the Kurdish National Joint Security Force JSF community participated in 2 workshops on humanitarian political solution was in sight. Serious and repeated Council learned how to monitor the YPG-YPJ’s Palestinian Liberation norms and developed further cooperation with Geneva Organization/Palestinian PLO/PNSF breaches of IHL aggravated the worsening humanitarian implementation of the Deed of Commitment protecting National Security Forces Call, particularly on child protection and gender issues situation. Coalitions formed by ANSAs for coordinating children in armed conflict The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 their operations against the government or other ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area 4 ANSAs—the IA and 3 FSA brigades (First Coastal opponents were constantly changing. ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 Division, Fastaqim Kama Umirt and Southern Front)— considered signing the Deeds of Commitment following an in-depth dialogue with Geneva Call and improved ANSAs ACRONYMS their awareness of humanitarian norms Democratic Self-Administration in Rojava/People’s Protection YPG-YPJ ✔ ✔ ✔ Ahrar al-Sham engaged in dialogue on humanitarian Units/Women’s Protection Units norms with Geneva Call for the first time Free Syrian Army & affiliated factions FSA Islam Army IA Revolutionary Army & affiliated factions RA Ahrar al-Sham AAS

The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area Training session on policing and human rights for members of the security forces ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. Lebanon, March 2015. © Geneva Call

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TURKEY YEMEN

Geneva Call has been engaging with the People’s Defence 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES Geneva Call began discussions on an AP mine ban with the 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES Forces/Kurdistan Worker’s Party (HPG/PKK) on the AP Ansar Allah/Al-Houthi movement in 2008 and later mine ban since 2001, and on child protection, gender the HPG/PKK took steps to investigate persisting extended them to include child protection. As this armed discussions continued with Ansar Allah/Al-Houthi issues and humanitarian norms in general since 2008. As allegations regarding the recruitment of children conflict evolves, it also targets other ANSAs on the same on humanitarian norms under 16 years old, in violation of its Deed of Geneva Call does not have access to Turkey, meetings with priority themes. In view of the security constraints, Geneva Commitment protecting children in armed conflict the Yemen Executive Mine Action Centre welcomed the HPG/PKK take place elsewhere in the region and in Call faces difficulties conducting activities. As a result, it a project on mine action, and CSOs expressed interest Europe. This lack of access poses challenges for monitoring the HPG/PKK provided information for mine/ERW organizes meetings outside the country, aims to influence in the promotion of humanitarian norms the HPG/PKK’s compliance with the Deeds of Commitment destruction operations, however these were delayed ANSAs’ behaviour indirectly by engaging with CBOs/CSOs it has signed. In order to overcome this lack of access, a for security reasons and works very closely with partners in the implementation a lack of funding impeded the implementation specific monitoring process has been set up. Geneva Call of all activities. of planned activities has repeatedly made requests for discussions with the the PKK women’s movement provided Geneva Call with a document on its existing policies against sexual Turkish authorities but these have always been rejected. The security situation deteriorated drastically in 2015, violence and gender discrimination and on its good progressively affecting 21 out of 22 governorates. After practices, and it expressed its willingness to sign the ANSAs ACRONYMS The peace talks, launched in 2013, between the Deed of Commitment prohibiting sexual violence and the Ansar Allah/Al-Houthi takeover of Sana’a and the Al-Houthi movement/ Ansar Allah/ Government of Turkey and the HPG/PKK were interrupted against gender discrimination in 2016 president’s escape to Saudi Arabia in March, a Saudi-led Ansar Allah Al-Houthi in July 2015 as renewed fighting erupted. The conflict has military coalition launched airstrikes on the country, with Popular Resistance Committees PRC 7 HPG/PKK instructors, including 2 women, developed since intensified, with increased numbers of violent the objective of restoring the legitimate government. The Southern Movement Al-Hirak their knowledge of humanitarian norms during a incidents, mainly in Turkish cities where ethnic Kurds make Al-Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula AQAP up the majority, and the Turkish armed forces launched three-day training session Shelling and bombardments reportedly led to thousands airstrikes on the HPG/PKK‘s positions in Iraqi Kurdistan and of casualties, the displacement of over 1 million people The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 cooperation and capacity-building activities with ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area Turkey. a partner CSO helped strengthen its capacity to and the massive destruction of civilian property. ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015 monitor the HPG/PKK’s compliance with its Deed Crippled by decades of conflict and under-development, The HPG/PKK continued to fight against the Islamic State of Commitment protecting children in armed conflict communities were overwhelmed by their needs and had group (ISg, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and limited access to basic services. Syria), present in northern Iraq, and to play an important role in the protection of IDPs and refugees, including ANSAs ACRONYMS Yazidis, affected by ISg. People’s Defence Forces/ HPG/PKK ✔ ✔ A young boy sits amid rubble all Kurdistan Worker’s Party that remains of his home near Sana’a. The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015 Yemen, 2015 . © IRIN/UNICEF ✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015

Monitoring visit on child protection. © Geneva Call

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Geneva Call’s public advocacy work has sought to change Regarding the protection of healthcare, Geneva Call and First edition of the Garance Talks on the positive policies and the underlying support for humanitarian the ICRC have been discussing the possibility of developing obligations of ANSAs. Geneva, November 2015. © Geneva Call engagement with ANSAs at an operational level. Geneva Call engagement activities with ANSAs. has provided valuable information about the legal and normative context in conflict-affected areas and about the Finally, many other discussions were initiated during 2015 need for engagement with the ANSAs involved. It has thus and were ongoing at the time of writing, such as consultations contributed to stimulating debates within the relevant and assessments on other thematic areas, including departments of national and international institutions. humanitarian access, hostage taking and detention. Throughout the year, Geneva Call was invited to participate in many conferences and expert groups—listed in annex page 142—in order to share its experience and expertise, GARANCE TALKS liaise with key stakeholders worldwide and maintain a network of relevant experts. The Policy and Legal Unit (PLU) In its past operations, Geneva Call has witnessed the played an important role in these activities. challenges which ANSAs face in complying with inter- national humanitarian norms. Some of these challenges are In addition, the PLU reviewed and updated internal tools and due to a lack of clarity in the applicable law itself; others can resources (such as training modules and dissemination be explained by some ANSAs’ insufficient capacity to abide materials) and provided technical expertise and support (e.g. by the requirements of certain rules. In this context, in 2014, through training for ANSAs). It also organized training Geneva Call launched the Garance Talks. These yearly sessions for Geneva Call’s staff on IHL/IHRL, qualification of meetings bring together experts and encourage them to armed conflicts, Islamic Law (with the support of Professionals brain-storm responses to the current legal and practical in Humanitarian Assistance and Protection (PHAP)), and challenges faced by ANSAs as they attempt to comply with recent developments related to child protection. humanitarian norms. They also bring ANSA perspectives to these legal discussions and thus complement ongoing The PLU has further developed the www.theirwords.org international processes which do not or cannot—whether website, Geneva Call’s unique directory of humanitarian for legal, political or institutional reasons—focus on or even commitments made by ANSAs. address the issues facing those groups.

The 2015 edition dealt with ANSAs’ positive obligations. This 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES PUBLIC ADVOCACY NEW THEMATIC theme was important to Geneva Call as it engages with AND TRANVERSAL ACTIVITES ANSAs on both negative and positive norms. The meeting Geneva Call highlighted the increasing need for greater Although Geneva Call initially concentrated its engagement was attended by 14 experts from academia and relevant means and resources for humanitarian engagement Over the past few years, Geneva Call has been successful in with ANSAs on activities surrounding the ban of AP mines, it international organizations and NGOs, plus one member of with ANSAs promoting the case for humanitarian engagement with soon expanded into child protection and the prevention of an ANSA. The main conclusions dealt with the recognition of Geneva Call assessed additional thematic areas in ANSAs in order to protect civilians in armed conflict. This sexual violence and gender discrimination. More recently, how complementary IHL and HRL are in regulating everyday which it could apply its unique and recognized success has been largely due to the organization’s ability to Geneva Call has been assessing additional thematic areas life for people living under the control of an ANSA. approach and better respond to the various breaches tie awareness raising to concrete results on the ground. The and has led wide consultations with ANSAs and leading The difficulties in applying those regulations and engaging of humanitarian law in armed conflict need for humanitarian engagement with all the parties to agencies in order to evaluate the feasibility and possible with ANSAs on their positive obligations when they fall armed conflicts is now widely acknowledged at the global scope of a Deed of Commitment on the protection of under counter-terrorism legislation were also discussed. Geneva Call continued to generate new fora on ANSAs’ level. However much more remains to be done. A number displaced people. Further goals of these consultations were Recommendations for further policy and academic research compliance with humanitarian norms and to produce of States continue to oppose any engagement with to design detailed potential engagement strategies and were made, particularly with regard to the exact scope of studies explaining the challenges and proposing ANSAs operating on their territory and deny (or restrict) develop synergies on the issue. the positive obligations to be applied to ANSAs irrespective potential solutions humanitarian organizations access to those groups. In of how fully they control a territory. the organization further improved follow-up on project addition, some of them have adopted measures that At the request of UNESCO, Geneva Call also conducted a implementation in order to guarantee the proper prohibit, or even criminalize, engagement with ANSAs listed study on the protection of cultural heritage, analyzing the allocation of available resources, record progress made as “terrorist organizations”, and a few donor States have legal framework and ANSAs’ attitudes towards this issue. WORLD HUMANITARIAN SUMMIT and continually adapt operational plans to needs introduced non-engagement clauses in their funding Furthermore, the study aimed to assess the feasibility, agreements. These policies have created serious challenges related risks and potential opportunities for engaging with On 23–24 May 2016, the United Nations Secretary-General in support of its operations, Geneva Call continuously for humanitarian organizations, affecting their operational ANSAs on respecting the provisions of international law will convene the first World Humanitarian Summit (WHS). kept its responsive and informative communication tools up to date and produced additional material environment and potentially limiting the scope of their related to the protection of cultural heritage. This research Its purpose is to set an agenda for humanitarian action to to disseminate knowledge on humanitarian norms work. provided preliminary recommendations on the type of collectively address today’s most pressing humanitarian activities that UNESCO and other relevant partners might challenges. However, although ANSAs play an integral role undertake. in facilitating or hindering humanitarian operations during

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conflict, they were not consulted about the WHS. This fact three ANSA representatives from Burma/Myanmar, Sudan encouraged Geneva Call to conduct a study to deepen the and Syria. It took stock of the realities on the ground, international humanitarian community’s understanding of identified gaps in knowledge and response, and addressed ANSAs’ perceptions of humanitarian action in the lead-up the challenges faced. This involved a comprehensive, to the summit. 19 ANSAs from 11 countries were inclusive approach, starting with the proviso that ANSAs consulted. While the report of the study is still being could be key stakeholders: ANSAs can not only attack finalized at the time of writing, several recommendations education and use schools for military purposes, but they aiming to feed into the WHS process, with implications for can also facilitate and even provide education. donors and humanitarian actors, were formulated and initial findings were shared with relevant stakeholders during the global consultations in Geneva in October. MANAGEMENT CYCLE

Thanks to its use of the Theory of Change approach, first PROTECTION OF EDUCATION applied fully in 2014, Geneva Call has been able to ensure consistency across programmes and explain its logic of According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education intervention more easily. This approach has significantly from Attack (GCPEA), ANSAs used educational facilities in improved the internal planning and monitoring of projects. 60% of the countries (15 out of 25) where use was reported between 2005 and 2014. Geneva Call is a member of the At an operational level, Geneva Call’s financial controller GCPEA and has played an active role in the process and development officer have supported this process at establishing the “Guidelines for Protecting Schools and every stage (planning, fundraising, implementation and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict.” The reporting). Once projects started, monthly monitoring Deed of Commitment protecting children from the effects meetings took place for each one in order to review and of armed conflict includes articles on the protection of measure progress and to convey operational needs to education and the prohibition of using schools for military supporting departments purposes. While promoting the guidelines among ANSAs in a variety of contexts, Geneva Call has also conducted research on their use of education facilities. It was invited OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATION to be a panellist at a conference on protecting education from attack, organized by the Norwegian Ministry of Geneva Call’s Communications and External Relations Foreign Affairs, during which 37 States adopted the department supported the Operations department in its “Safe Schools Declaration”. objective of better disseminating knowledge about humanitarian norms among ANSA rank and file members, Internally, in order to adequately prepare and support the civil society organizations, the media and the general 2015 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES PRESIDENCY AND DIRECTORATE operational staff members in its engagement work in the population. field, the PLU organized a half-day training session on the Geneva Call enhanced its responsiveness to operational In 2015, the Directorate continued to work on its internal Guidelines, given by their author, Steven Haines. New Three new Fighter not Killer videos and a website (www. imperatives while maintaining high standards of policies and practices to enhance responsiveness to relevance, transparency and thoroughness in the training and communication material was also produced, fighternotkiller.org) were produced, and a campaign operational imperatives, while maintaining high standards implementation of its mission including a new video clip and a booklet on the protection dissemination strategy was established for Iraq and Syria with regard to relevance, transparency and thoroughness of education in armed conflict. through local media agencies. In order to maximize the Geneva Call improved communication about its in the implementation of its mission. Efforts to improve audience reached by the prevention campaign, multimedia activities and achievements to its donors, stakeholders its human resources policy continued, with the goals of In June 2015, Geneva Call and Protect Education in campaigns were developed in offline (TV and radio) and and followers and strengthened its position as a leader ensuring a better definition of roles and responsibilities, Insecurity and Armed Conflict (PEIC) —programme of the online (Facebook and Google ads) environments. in sustainable engagement with ANSAs on enhancing the hiring process for equal opportunities, global “Education Above All” initiative—organized a humanitarian norms and boosting personal development, motivation and workshop on the negative and positive impacts which In order to support its monitoring processes, Geneva Call commitment. Furthermore, Geneva Call’s internal structure Geneva Call continued to diversify its financial ANSAs have on education in armed conflict, as well as the also ensured that local stakeholders and media, as well resources and improve information sharing with achieved a gender balance. A new staff commission was suitability of the international response. The workshop as populations living in areas under the control or influence donors while constantly striving for higher established to enable collaborative, constructive dialogue brought together policymakers, child protection and of ANSAs, were made aware that new Deeds of accountability between the Directorate and its employees. Institutional education-in-emergency practitioners, researchers and Commitment had been signed. knowledge management was also enhanced thanks to Geneva Call carefully managed its resources in the new Policy and Legal Unit set up in the Operations the face of a fluctuating exchange rate environment Department. Growing recognition of Geneva Call’s successes and emerging conflict situations

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and the increasing number of requests for it to provide its FUNDRAISING expertise meant that the Directorate had to strike a careful balance between field activities and participation in Although Geneva Call has received more and more conferences and experts groups which feed relevant recognition for its work overall, raising enough funds to international fora and debates. meet its increasing operational expectations remains difficult. Certain projects had to be withdrawn at the mid- Late in 2015, the Swiss government, led by the Human year review and some activities were cut. The difficulty in Security Division (HSD) of the Federal Department of Foreign raising enough funds to cover the entire operational plan Affairs (FDFA), conducted an evaluation of the quality of for 2015 encouraged Geneva Call to further adapt its Geneva Call’s work. The study also aimed to provide public fundraising strategy. As a result, its annual recommendations for Geneva Call and the FDFA to operational plan was presented in a new format. Itis strengthen their strategic partnership. The Directorate was hoped that this document can help provide a better very pleased with the process, the report and its understanding of the organization’s planned activities by recommendations, and looks forward to discussing how to thematic area and context; interested donors may thus follow up on them with the FDFA in 2016. more easily choose activities in line with their funding strategies. Geneva Call communicated regularly with its donors and maintained the excellent working relationships COMMUNICATION established over the last few years. New donors were approached and met in view of future partnerships. Geneva Call continued to improve communication about its activities and achievements with its donors, stakeholders In terms of private fundraising, Geneva Call officially and followers and strengthened its position as a leader launched its Friends of Geneva Call group at an Open in sustainable engagement with ANSAs on humanitarian House event in June. This initiative was part of a broader norms. 44 articles were published on its website in 2015, strategy to raise more private sector funds, including from reaching 39,000 independent visitors (+28% from 2014). In private foundations or the corporate sector. Geneva Call addition, 3,300 people were subscribed to Geneva Call’s was chosen as the beneficiary of a concert given by cellist monthly newsletter (+6% from 2014) and 3,800 people Camille Thomas and the UN Orchestra. This concert followed the organization via social media (+36% from proved to be a great opportunity to enhance Geneva Call’s 2014). More than 160 articles and features on Geneva Call local visibility and raise funds as all the profits were appeared in global and local media (including The Times, donated to the organization. A call for support was also the BBC, Le Monde, Reuters, Voice of America, RTS and launched when Elisabeth Decrey Warner, Geneva Call’s Süddeutsche Zeitung), ensuring good visibility about its Executive President, ran the New York City Marathon. main achievements. Geneva Call also developed a series of interactive tools which helped to increase its visibility worldwide, including: a series of four short documentaries FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT produced together with Swiss national television and AND ADMINISTRATION broadcast on more than 10 television stations around the world; “In their Words”, a new video presenting Geneva Despite encouraging indicators (only 10% expenditure on Call’s activities; and Fighter not Killer, a mobile telephone administration and 90% on operations, versus 88% in 2014 application quiz on humanitarian norms. for nearly the same total expenditure), Geneva Call had to pay careful attention to a fluctuating exchange rate With regard to internal communication, Geneva Call environment. The Swiss National Bank’s 15 January 2015 developed an intranet platform by which its staff can decision to discontinue the Swiss franc’s minimum find the organization’s latest internal news, galleries of exchange rate had a very negative impact on Geneva Call’s pictures, key documents and a shared calendar. Each finances and clearly showed how exposed and vulnerable department also regularly organized mission debriefings, such organizations and their resources are to economics. project presentations and discussions to enhance the Consequently, Geneva Call failed to maintain the reserves internal flow of information. in cash and equivalents needed to maintain the ratio mentioned above (ensuring acceptable coverage for operations) and the ability to respond to new crises such as Iraq.

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3% 5% 4% In 2015, Geneva Call’s total reported income was CHF 3.85 It is of note that Geneva Call was forced to bear a significant BALANCE BALANCE million, compared to CHF 3.9 million in 2014. Grants and exchange rate loss of CHF 170,000. Because many of the STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 31.12.2015 31.12.2014 contributions from institutional donors amounted to 90% organization’s grants are in euros or other foreign INCOME of this revenue (80% in 2014). A significant proportion of currencies, the Swiss National Bank’s 15 January 2015 INCOME (BY NATURE) 3,855,267 3,936,443 124,547 289,804 funding (CHF 2.9 million) for 2016 had already been decision to discontinue the Swiss franc’s minimum General donations Contribution from institutional donors 3,374,047 3,167,157 secured by the end of 2015. exchange rate was the main reason for this. Contribution from private donors 162,282 353,614 88% Other operational income 194,391 125,869 Expenditure for 2015 was stable at CHF 3.9 million, General donations EXPENDITURE (BY DESTINATION) 3,903,362 3,952,829 compared to CHF 3.9 million in 2014, and 70% (68% in Contribution from institutional donors Programmes 2,720,386 2,673,699 2014) of expenditure was on interventions for the Direct programme support 776,487 795,466 Contribution from private donors protection of civilians in 19 contexts. The 3 contexts with Communication & management 406,489 483,665 Other operational income the largest budgets were Colombia, DRC and Syria. OPERATING RESULT -48,095 -16,386

Financial revenue 193,475 71,764 20% 10% Financial charges -365,017 -80,458 Termination of provision 80,000 – Income of previous period 24,179 11,714 EXPENDITURE Charges of previous period -2,947 -34,063 Malagnou building revenue 251,114 979,426 BALANCE BALANCE 70% BALANCE SHEET Malagnou building charges -251,114 -979,426 31.12.2015 31.12.2014 0% Children protection center Syria revenue 90,926 – Children protection center Syria charges -90,926 – Programmes CURRENT ASSETS 2,868,306 3,189,470 Direct programme support Treasury 263,428 614,262 LOSS FOR THE YEAR -118,405 -47,428 Communication & management Other current assets – 9,290 ASSETS Other short term receivables – – Miscellaneous 147,232 16,697 Grants receivable 2,441,200 2,516,934 100% Prepaid expenses and accrued income 16,447 32,287 CASH FLOW STATEMENT 2015 2014

NON CURRENT ASSETS 9,302 52,294 Current assets DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR -118,405 -47,428 Financial assets – 36,652 Non current assets Depreciation 8,775 9,629 Fixed assets 9,302 15,642 Release of provisions -80,000 –

Increase / decrease in other current assets 9,290 18,976 TOTAL ASSETS 2,877,608 3,241,765 Increase / decrease in other short term receivables -130,535 26,101

1% 4% Increase / decrease in grants receivable 75,734 -567,956 CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,734,529 2,900,281 Increase / decrease in prepaid expenses and accrued income 15,841 15,632 Liabilities arising out of purchase of goods and services 197,423 284,177 Increase / decrease in liabilities arising Short term liabilities – – out of purchase of goods and services -86,754 58,718 45,127 Miscellaneous 106,515 LIABILITIES Increase / decrease in in other short term liabilities -61,388 -27,549 2,464,635 Grants received in advance 2,509,588 Increase / decrease in grants received in advance -44,953 -359,432 Accrued expenses and deferred income 27,343 – Increase / decrease in accrued expenses and deferred income 27,343 -8,000 95% LONG TERM LIABILITIES 34,000 114,000 CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Provisions 34,000 114,000 -385,052 -881,307 Current liabilities Financial assets EQUITY 109,079 227,484 Long term liabilities 36,652 – Fixed assets -22,562 Capital 50,000 50,000 Equity -2,434 Legal retained earnings 200,000 200,000 Loss brought forward -22,516 24,912 CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES 34,218 -22,562 Current year result -118,405 -47,428 CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES – – TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,877,608 3,241,765 INCREASE / DECREASE IN CASH & CASH EQUIVALENT -350,834 -903,869

Cash & cash equivalent, beginning of year 614,262 1,518,131 Cash & cash equivalent, end of year 263,428 614,262

INCREASE / DECREASE IN CASH & CASH EQUIVALENT -350,834 -903,869

Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 GENEVA CALL IS ENGAGING 61* ACTIVE ANSAs ON FOUR THEMATIC AREAS 48 | 49

Landmine ban Child protection The ANSA has been engaged by Geneva Call on this thematic area in 2015

✔ The ANSA has signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area

Gender issues Humanitarian norms ✔ The ANSA signed the Deed of Commitment on this thematic area in 2015

THEMATIC AREAS THEMATIC AREAS

REGION COUNTRY ARMED NON-STATE ACTOR REGION COUNTRY ARMED NON-STATE ACTOR

Alliance des Patriotes pour un Congo Libre et Souverain (APCLS) Affiliate groups of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) CONGO, IRAQ DEMO- Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du Rwanda (FDLR) Kurdish Forces CRATIC Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) ✔ ✔ ✔ REPUBLIC Nduma Defense of Congo – Mai Mai Cheka (NDC) OF THE Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK) ✔ ✔ Nduma Defense of Congo – Rénové (NDC-R) ✔ ✔ ✔ SENEGAL Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KPIK) Juba Valley Alliance (JVA) ✔ IRAN, ISLAMIC Komala Party of Kurdistan (KPK) ✔ ✔ ✔ REPUBLIC OF Puntland State of Somalia (PSS) ✔ Komalah – The Kurdistan Organization of the Communist Party of Iran ✔ ✔ ✔ SOMALIA (Komalah-CPI) AFRICA Somali National Front/Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council (SNF/SRRC) ✔ The Kurdistan Democratic Party – Iran (KDP-Iran) ✔ ✔ ✔ Somaliland authorities (Somaliland) EUROPE Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) ✔ ✔ ✔ Justice and Equality Mouvement (JEM) ✔ AND MIDDLE Forces of the Palestinian National Coalition (Tahaluf) Sudan Liberation Movement/Army – Abdel Wahid al-Nur (SLM/A-AW) ✔ EAST SUDAN Hezbollah Sudan Liberation Movement/Army – Minni Minnawi (SLM/A-MM) ✔ LEBANON Joint Security Force (JSF) Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement – North (SPLM-N) ✔ ✔ Palestinian Liberation Organization/Palestinian National Security Forces (PLO/PNSF) WESTERN Democratic Self-Administration in Rojava/ Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro (Polisario Front) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ SAHARA People’s Protection Units/Women’s Protection Units (YPG-YPJ) SYRIAN ARAB Chin National Front/Army (CNF/CNA) ✔ ✔ ✔ Free Syrian Army & affiliated factions (FSA) REPUBLIC Kachin Independence Organisation/Army (KIO/KIA) Islam Army Ahrar al-Sham (AAS) Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army (KNU/KNLA) ✔ ✔ TURKEY People’s Defences Forces/Kurdistan Worker’s Party (HPG/PKK) ✔ ✔ Karen National Union Peace Council/Karen National Liberation Army Peace Council (KNU-PC/KNLA-PC) YEMEN Al-Houthi movement/Ansar Allah (Ansar Al-lah/Al-Houthi) Karenni National Progressive Party/Karenni Army (KNPP/KA) ✔ BURMA/ MYANMAR Klo Htoo Baw Karen Organization/Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (KKO/DKBA) New Mon State Party/Mon National Liberation Army (NMSP/MNLA) ✔ Palaung State Liberation Front/Taan National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA) ✔ Pa’O National Liberation Organization/Pa’O National Liberation Army (PNLO/PNLA) ✔ Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA-S) Shan State Progressive Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA-N) Hmar People’s Congress-Democracy (HPC-D) THEMATIC AREAS ASIA Kuki National Front (KNF) ✔

Kuki National Organisation (KNO) ✔ ✔ ✔ National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) Signatories since 2000 49 18 16 INDIA National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khole Kitovi (NSCN-KK) ✔ ✔ ✔ Active signatory ANSAs 26 17 14 National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak Muivah) (NSCN-IM) ✔ ✔ Signatures in 2015 1 4 3 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) United National Liberation Front (UNLF) ANSAs engaged in 2015 43 40 34 30 Zomi Re-unification Organisation (ZRO) ✔ ✔ Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army (CPP/NPA) Moro Islamic Liberation Front/Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF/BIAF) ✔ PHILIPPINES (THE) Revolutionary Workers Party of Mindanao (RPM/RPA) ✔ Revolutionary Workers Party of the Philippines/ ✔ Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayo Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB) National Liberation Army (ELN) LATIN COLOMBIA AMERICA Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) *Two of these 61 ANSAs are being engaged confidentially on humanitarian norms

Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 Geneva Call | Annual Report 2015 THANK YOU | HOW TO SUPPORT GENEVA CALL 50 |51

GENEVA CALL IS GRATEFUL TO ALL ITS DONORS AND SUPPORTERS

Geneva Call extends its sincere thanks to:

• the governments of Australia (Department of Foreign Geneva Call would also like to thank its individual private Affairs and Trade), Denmark, Finland, Italy (through donors, particularly the generous support of Mr Charles the GICHD), Liechtenstein, Norway, Sweden (Swedish Pictet, all those who contributed to the concert given by International Development Cooperation Agency), the UN Orchestra, and Elisabeth Decrey Warner, Executive Switzerland (Directorate of International Law and President, for her participation in the New York City Human Security Division) and the United Kingdom of Marathon. Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Department for International Development) through its embassy in Burma/Myanmar

• the European Commission (Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department through the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action and Save the Children Norway), UNESCO and UNMAS

• the City of Geneva, the commune of Chêne-Bougeries and the Republic and Canton of Geneva

• the Loterie Romande, the Education Above All Foundation and the Swiss Network for International Studies

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