LAW & POLICY NEWSLETTER

How would IHL apply to hostilities in outer space?

Despite the longstanding efforts of the international community to prevent an arms race in outer space, the rules governing the potential use of force there is something worth serious consideration – and we have already seen spill-over effects of terrestrial conflicts into space. This raises the question, how would international humanitarian law (IHL) apply to the conduct of hostilities in outer space?

In this post, part of a series on War, Law, and Outer Space, Svenja Berrang, Legal Adviser for the German Federal Ministry of Defence, gives a short overview of the basic IHL principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution and takes a closer look at the challenges in their application to outer space posed by the widespread dual-use of space systems, the employment of civilian operators for space systems used by the military, and the creation of space debris by attacking a space object. 

Algorithms of war: The use of artificial intelligence in decision making in armed conflict

In this post, authors critically examine some of the touted benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) when used to support decisions by armed actors in war.

Protecting civilians against digital threats: four worrying trends and recommendations to address them

Read about digital threats in armed conflicts and the Global Advisory Board's concrete recommendations to protect civilians against such threats.

Foghorns of war: IHL and information operations during armed conflict

Explore the legal boundaries in compliance and violation of information operations under IHL during war and armed conflicts, through four concrete examples.

📅 Mark your calendars

The International Review of the Red Cross (IRRC) has compiled a special edition on the protection of the environment in armed conflict, featuring more than two dozen articles exploring the topic from a variety of angles. At this event, authors whose work is featured in that edition will engage in a lively conversation, followed by closing remarks by former International Law Commission (ILC) Special Rapporteur Marja Lehto.

📢 IHL in Action - DIH en Action

In October 2023, IHL in Action: Respect for the law on the battlefield released 77 case summaries with the purpose of making them more accessible to policymakers, diplomats, advocates, and beyond.  They provide a short overview of basic IHL rules, an insight into the context, and IHL compliance highlights.  We are thrilled to announce that these summaries are now available in French. Explore now. 

🔦 In the spotlight

IBA podcast Torture A-Z, discussing intersections of IHL and Islamic law, ICL and Islamic law

This episode of Torture A-Z covers the juxtaposition of human rights, humanitarian law and Islamic law in a fascinating discussion with Dr. Ahmed Aldawoody, Legal Adviser for Islamic Law and Jurisprudence, at the ICRC.

American States discuss the attribution of cyberoperations and international law

The 9th edition Organization of American States Cybersecurity Symposium on 18-19 October featured participants and panelists from the public sector, companies, academics from international universities, and specialists from the region. 

Cyber Law Toolkit: Call for Submissions for the 2024 Annual Update

The Cyber Law Toolkit, the leading online resource on international law and cyber operations, is inviting submissions for its next general update in September 2024. This call for submissions is open until 1 December 2023. 

Proceedings of the 23rd Bruges Colloquium on IHL: online available

The proceedings of the 23rd edition of Bruges Colloquium on IHL encapsulate two days of thought-provoking debates and serve as a resource for anyone interested in IHL.

⏪ Let's recap

Protecting Civilians Against Digital Threats During Armed Conflict
What measures must be taken to protect civilians against the digital threats of armed conflicts? ICRC's and the Global Advisory Board's latest report focuses on four guiding principles and a set of concrete legal and policy recommendations to address these threats.

Download the full report or the executive summary.

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: ICRC Audio-Visual Archives
The ICRC’s collections of sound recordings, film footage, videos and photos illustrate and document the activities of the ICRC and of the Movement as a whole from the end of the 19th century up to the present day, in all operational contexts. October 27th marks the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage; we invite you to explore the ICRC AVA portal.

 💡 Highlights @ ICRC

🤝 ICRC Director-General receives a high-level delegation from ECHO

On 18 October 2023, the ICRC received representatives from the EU and European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) at its headquarters in Geneva, as part of our annual high-level dialogue. This was a key moment for the two institutions to exchange on several themes of shared humanitarian interest, and share strategic updates as part of the ICRC-ECHO ongoing partnership. In particular, the promotion of IHL was the focus of two sessions during the day. 
 
The two institutions agreed to continue working together to strengthen the place of IHL in global and regional fora, including for instance the upcoming European Humanitarian Forum to be held in Brussels in March 2024.

Missed any of these? 

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For the millions of people in countries reliant on humanitarian assistance, greater support is desperately needed to save lives and avert further suffering. You can help the people you are reading about.

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