The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) launched its prototype conflict zone risk information repository, responding directly to member state recommendations that emerged from the UN agency’s high-level safety conference in February. The repository, just now being populated with information, will eventually provide up-to-date information on potential risks to civil aviation arising from armed conflicts around the world.

The page is accessible via ICAO’s public website homepage for representatives from states, airlines and the general public. However, only authorized state officials will have the right to submit risk information under the procedures agreed to by the ICAO Council. In all cases, the identity of the state submitting information to the repository will be clearly indicated and states being referenced in a risk submission will also have the opportunity to review and approve the related information before public posting.

The conference that developed the conflict-zone repository idea also recommended that a suitable legal framework be established to ensure that ICAO would not face liability implications arising from the information that states submit.