In 1994, after six years of meticulous work, a team of experts completed the San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea, which was published in 1995. This landmark document holds a place of utmost importance among international law instruments, shaping national military manuals and influencing maritime warfare law globally ever since.
Recognising the need to update the Manual to reflect evolving State practice, opinio juris, and modern naval operations, a new project was launched in 2019 by a small group of experts, with the endorsement of the Council of the International Institute of Humanitarian Law.
Although promising initial progress was made, the Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the group’s work, both organisationally and financially. Thanks to the Steering Committee, the project has now regained momentum, with key support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Norwegian Red Cross.
To strengthen the connection of this key Manual with the Sanremo Institute, project meetings will now be convened at Villa Ormond, the official seat of the Institute. This revitalised effort aims to ensure the Manual continues to serve as a cornerstone of international law applicable to maritime conflicts in the 21st century.
