On 24–27 August, Prof. Dr. Justinas Žilinskas of the Law School at Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) participated in the first International Humanitarian Law Professors’ Meeting convened by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva. The event brought together international humanitarian law experts, including researchers, lecturers and scholars from different regions of the world.
The aim of the meeting, held for the first time, was to assess the current state of international humanitarian law, also known as the law of armed conflict, identify the key challenges it faces, discuss the latest developments and address states’ obligations.
Focus on Emerging Challenges in Armed Conflicts
Throughout the meeting, discussions and presentations were complemented by practical working sessions in which experts examined pressing issues in international humanitarian law. These included the use of autonomous weapons, the protection of civilians and medical personnel during armed conflicts, challenges posed by cyber technologies, and other relevant areas.
The outcomes of the working sessions will serve as a basis for developing recommendations for states on various aspects of international humanitarian law. The aim is not only to respond to the changing nature of contemporary conflicts but also to strengthen the practical implementation of international humanitarian law.
The meeting also expressed support for the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, launched by the International Committee of the Red Cross together with Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa. Lithuania has also joined the initiative.
Personal Commitment to Strengthening the Role of Humanitarian Law
At the conclusion of the event, each participant signed a personal declaration, committing to take concrete actions to help draw the attention of states and societies to the importance of international humanitarian law.
The International Committee of the Red Cross plans to hold International Humanitarian Law Professors’ Meetings annually, creating a permanent platform for members of the academic community from different regions of the world to exchange experiences and jointly seek solutions to the challenges facing international humanitarian law.
In the photos: participants of the event by the bust of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross; Judge and Professor Theodor Meron; the first sessions of the meeting, during which innovative methods of teaching international humanitarian law were explored.
