Rules in wartime
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict. The ground rules are simple:
- Protect citizens, the wounded, prisoners of war and medical personnel.
- Prohibit methods of warfare that can’t distinguish between civilians and combatants or that can cause unnecessary losses or excessive suffering.
The mission of the Red Cross is to monitor and promote this field of law. But do all parties bound by the law follow the rules? And what is the role of the Red Cross’ role within this field of law in an international context? This program, in collaboration with the Red Cross, will shed light on these questions.
The programme
An IHR-volunteer from the Red Cross will discuss how the set of rules seeks to protect people during armed conflict. With pictures, Virtual-Reality fragments and practical examples, students are challenged to think about the role and importance of humanitarian law internationally, but also in their own lives. In addition, they are encouraged to reflect on the set of rules and challenges within the field.
The Red Cross
Respect for humanity in the most inhumane conditions. That is the essence of both humanitarian law and the Red Cross. This is not a coincidence as the Red Cross is established in the same period of time and its mandate also essentially stems from the Geneva Conventions.