Exeter, UK: The operational challenges of humanitarian law and victims of conflict
08-04-2014 Event
29 April, University of Exeter. Presentation by Geoff Loane, head of office for the ICRC in Northern Ireland, on the operational challenges for humanitarian law.
Event Info
Where: Newman Lecture Theatre, Exeter University, Stocker Rd, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QD
When: 29.04.2014, 17:45 - 19:45
In the aftermath of the horrors of the Second World War, the 1949 Geneva Conventions provided the international community with a framework for the regulation of behaviours in conflict. The protections extended to civilians, wounded, sick, detained and especially servicemen hors de combat represented the high water mark for the projection of violence. Armed conflict and violence have persisted ever since, in particular non-international armed conflict.
The overriding images that endure sixty years later are those of the violence to civilians, to detainees and to the medical mission. A day does not pass without a story on unnecessary violence to civilians; many of which, if true, reflect a serious violation of humanitarian law.
What steps has the international community taken to offer respect of the law? Or to offer protection and assistance to victims of conflict as far afield as Northern Ireland, Syria and Afghanistan? Do we, as an international community, really achieve that fine balance of respect for the individual and his or her dignity and the interests of national security?
Open presentation from Geoff Loane, head of office for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Belfast. Geoff Loane is responsible for ICRC activities in Northern Ireland and manages relations with the devolved government and a broad range of stakeholders.
During this talk Geoff will examine the practice of humanitarian action as a means to address these issues and other dilemmas.
This lecture is organized by the University of Exeter's Global Uncertainties programme.