Workshop on International Humanitarian Law

Announcement

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in cooperation with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, is hosting a workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

International Humanitarian Law, also known as the Law of War or the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), is the body of law regulating the conduct of warfare. This half-day workshop will provide key congressional staff with a foundation in IHL and its application in contemporary armed conflicts.

The workshop will examine how conflicts are classified under the law, when IHL applies in contrast to human rights or criminal law standards, who can be lethally targeted and how during armed conflict, protections for civilians and detainees, and IHL rules governing access for humanitarian organizations. Examples from contemporary contexts will be used to highlight key points, with time reserved for a special examination of the conflict in Yemen.  

In addition, the workshop will provide participants with an introduction to the International Committee of the Red Cross, its unique history and role as the guardian of the Geneva Conventions and IHL, and its humanitarian operations around the world. ICRC is currently active in over 80 countries.

This workshop is open to congressional staff only and is geared toward staff with foreign policy portfolios. For any questions, please contact Stephanie Mellini (for Rep. McGovern) at 202-225-3599 or Stephanie.Mellini@mail.house.gov or Isaac Six (for Rep. Pitts) at 202-225-2411 or Isaac.Six@mail.house.gov.