International humanitarian law (IHL) affords protection to people and property in armed conflict. However, violations of IHL cause devastating impacts throughout our deeply interconnected world on the lives of individuals and families, communities, cities and, sometimes entire regions as well as our global security. A huge percentage of the humanitarian crises afflicting our world is attributable to armed conflicts. The International Committee of the Red Cross’s (ICRC’s) twofold mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and to provide them with assistance and to be the guardians of IHL. Against this backdrop, first, it is critical to find common perspectives with other legal systems, such as Islamic law, on preventing violations of IHL and protecting human dignity in armed conflict. Second, promoting adherence to IHL necessitates partnering with local, regional and international organizations/institutions; academia; research institutions; independent scholars; religious leaders; and front-line negotiators among others.

Introductory remarks

• Ms Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection (Video message)

Speakers

• H.E. Mr. Hichem Bayoudh, Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
• H.E. Mr. Muhammad Saeed Sarwar, Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
• Dr. Ahmed Aldawoody, Legal Adviser for Islamic Law and Jurisprudence, the International Committee of the Red Cross 
• Dr. Morris Tidball Binz, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions
• Dr. Annyssa Bellal, Executive Director of the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform

Moderator

• H.E. Mr. David Fernandez Puyana, Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the United Nations mandated University for Peace to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva and Vienna Introductory

Registration

To attend this event and get UN accreditation, please register here.

Organizers

Organized in collaboration with the University for Peace and the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the support of the League of the Arab States, Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees and the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform.