The Pretoria regional delegation has existed in its present form since 1995. It keeps a close eye on the domestic situation in the countries covered, promotes ratification of IHL treaties, and the incorporation of IHL into national legislation and into military and police training, and provides services to restore family links for civilian victims of conflict. It also supports the region's National Societies in their efforts to disseminate IHL, develop their tracing activities and prepare for emergencies, in cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The delegation, with the support of National Societies, initiated the Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL) programme in four countries i.e. South Africa, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles and enjoys a good working relationship with the ministry of Education.

The delegation has good contacts with fifteen Tertiary Academic Institutions (TAIs) in the region where international humanitarian law (IHL) has been integrated into the law curriculum. Interest in IHL is encouraged amongst academics through the hosting of annual All African Course in IHL, the annual Meeting of Teachers of IHL, and by sponsoring participation in IHL courses offered in French and Arabic.

Presence (2008): 46 staff, including 9 expatriates