May 25th to May 29th 2020 IHL Now – A Special Online Learning Series

Armed soldiers and barbed wire

Title: IHL Now – A Special Online Learning Series

Date: May 25-29, 2020

Cost: Free

Deadline to register: 22 May 2020

The Canadian Red Cross and the University of Ottawa’s Human Rights Research and Education Centre are pleased to invite you to a series of online lectures on International Humanitarian Law.

The goal of the lecture series is to offer students and professionals the fundamentals of IHL. Lectures will be facilitated by leading Canadian and international scholars and experts from the Canadian Armed Forces and international organizations.

The 90 minutes lectures will be offered in both French and English. If you have questions about this event, please contact Marie-Laure Tapp at marie-laure.tapp@redcross.ca.

Pour les cours en français, voir ici.

For the speakers'bios, click here.
 
About International Humanitarian Law: International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a set of rules seeking to limit the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons. It protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare. The complexities of modern-day conflicts combined with the plethora of information and media interest have resulted in a higher profile of difficult humanitarian issues. Knowledge of IHL is a definite asset, if not essential, for those working on or in countries affected by armed conflicts, those involved in humanitarian work or interested in working for international criminal tribunals.
Monday, May 25, 2020, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. (EDT)

Introduction to International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

Lecturer: Marco Sassòli, Director, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Switzerland
 
Join us for a key introductory session by leading expert Marco Sassòli, who will walk us through the legal goals and aspirations of IHL, notably to limit the impact of hostilities on those who do not participate in the fighting as well as limiting the violence by parties to a conflict to what is necessary to achieve their military objective. This introduction which will be based on current examples will be key for those who are new to this area of the law as well as those who would like a concise and insightful refresher!

View recording here.

Please register here.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. (EDT)

Detention and deprivation of liberty during armed conflicts

Lecturer: Tracey Begley, International Committee of the Red Cross
 
This session which will be provided by Tracey Begley will examine rules that protect civilians who fall into the hands of the enemy, as well as the protections which are afforded to combatants who are deprived of their liberty. Using current examples from around the world, Tracey will also examine the protections granted those who are charged with other crimes, including terrorism, and their interaction with protections granted under IHL. Join us for what will be a fascinating presentation on a major humanitarian issue we are facing around the globe.
 
Please register here.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. (EDT)

Means and Methods of Warfare / Conduct of Hostilities & Command responsibility

Lecturer: Lieutenant-Commander Carl Monk, Military Law Centre, Canadian Armed Forces
 
Lieutenant-Commander Carl Monk will explore what means (i.e. weapons) and methods (i.e. tactics) of warfare are permitted and prohibited. LCol Monk will present on how and why certain tactics and weapons have been outlawed. The concept of Command responsibility and its implications will also be explained. Join us to learn more about what is permitted, or not, during times of armed conflict!

View recording here.

Please register here.
Thursday, May 28, 2020, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. (EDT)

Special Panel: Careers in Public International Law

Join us to hear two experts with extensive experience in public international law talk about their fascinating respective careers. This panel will be interesting for people wishing to pursue a career in public international law as well as for those considering a career change. Come prepared with questions!
 
Speakers:

Andrew Carswell, Independent Consultant (until recently International Committee of the Red Cross Senior Delegate)

Bio here

Julianne Dunbar, Senior General Counsel & Director General, Military Police Complaints Commission of Canada  

Bio here

View recording here.
 
Please register here.
Friday, May 29, 2020, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. (EDT)

International Criminal Law

Lecturer: Nadia Zed, Justice Canada (Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Section)
 
In this session, the connection between International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law will be examined. The major ICL crimes will be explored, specifically War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity, and Genocide, with a specific focus on the Canadian Law and Canadian Approach to investigating and prosecuting such crimes. Global issues & trends in International Criminal Law will also be explored. Join us for a fascinating presentation on accountability for grave breaches and other serious violations of IHL.

View recording here.

Please register here.