Joint IHL Forum - January 2017

The Joint International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Forum

עברית

Dear friends,

ALMA - Association for the Promotion of International Humanitarian Law and the Radzyner Law School of the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) would like to invite you to the upcoming session of the Joint International Humanitarian Law Forum. The session will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, 18:30, in room C110, Arazi-Ofer Building, IDC Campus, Kanfei Nesharim St., Herzliya, Israel.

In this session, Ms. Karen Loehner, Head of legal Department, International Committee of the Red Cross, Israel and the Occupied Territories will discuss some of the issues mentioned in:

The ICRC People on War Report, 2016

Between June and September 2016, over 17,000 people in 16 countries were asked to share their views on a range of issues relating to war – in the People on War survey. The results are both reassuring and alarming.

The ICRC asked people living in countries affected by armed conflict if they believe the rules of war matter. They do. Over two thirds of people living in these countries as well as those from countries that are permanent members of the UN Security Council and Switzerland think it makes sense to impose limits on how they are fought. Almost half of those surveyed in conflict-affected countries believe the Geneva Conventions prevent wars from getting worse. But the ICRC also saw that people are becoming resigned to the death of civilians as an inevitable part of war.

There is a disconnect between public opinion and the policies and actions of States and armed groups. Violations of the laws of war – including the targeting of civilians, humanitarian workers and hospitals – continue. Yet the survey results clearly show that the majority of people understand that these practices are wrong and that civilians and health-care workers and facilities must be protected.

Following the presentation, there will be an open round-table discussion.

Please note that the session will be conducted in English.

The meeting is free and open to the public. If you wish to attend the meetings of the Joint IHL Forum please register in advance via forum@alma-ihl.org.

Sincerely,

Ms. Shani Dann - Joint IHL Forum Coordinator

Adv. Ido Rosenzweig - ALMA Chairman