In Defense of Humanity: Civilian Protection, Aid Work, and the Demise of IHL (ISTANBUL)

Panel details

Panel organiser(s) will be presenting In-Person / Online
Number of paper presentations 4

Abstract

To see when the panel starts and where to watch it scroll down or click here.
We are at a critical juncture in geopolitics and for the defense of humanity. With autocracy, oligarchy, and fascism rising, the liberal order that long justified global humanitarian interference as a moral imperative is increasingly being challenged. Geopolitically, major powers are turning their backs on international humanitarian law (IHL) and the Laws of War, and perpetrating atrocity crimes directly and indirectly through their proxies. They are normalizing attacks on aid, civilians, and healthcare, while simultaneously diverting funds away from the protection and assistance of conflict and crisis affected populations and toward their militaries in the name of protectionism and self-defence. This roundtable is the first of three in a series hosted by IHSA exploring whether and in what ways humanity is under threat. The panelists will reflect on three questions. (1) In what new ways are norms of proportionality, limits on methods and means of warfare, and protection of civilians coming under threat? What can advocates for upholding IHL do? (2) What can we expect from warring parties in an era of increased protectionism and militarization, and what does this mean for the protection of aid workers, and calls for ending impunity? (3) Is international humanitarian law at the point of demise? What are potential ways forward for scholars and practitioners?

Chair: Clara Egger, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam

Participants:
Thea Hilhorst, Humanitarian Studies Centre, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam
Kristoffer Liden, PRIO
Kristin Sandvik, PRIO
Emily Scott, University of Birmingham
Heidi Mogstad, CMI
ICRC IHL Expert, TBC

Date & Time

Register for the conference to view the livestream(s) when this panel is live.

Back