Noted expert highlights theoretical and practical aspects of IHL at CHS

THE Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS), in collaboration with the Human Rights Program at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies and Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), on January 23 hosted Professor Marco Sass li, professor of International Humanitarian aw (IH ) and director of the Department of Public International aw and International Organizations at the University of Geneva. He met with experts, and specialists in the fields of International Humanitarian

aw and human rights, as well as academics and diplomats.

In a public lecture he gave at the CHS, Professor Sass li discussed issues of IH , where he shed light on the theoretical law concepts and its practical aspects, the role of the region in law enforcement, and ways to enhance the respect and application of it in light of the escalating intensity and pace of armed conflicts globally, especially in Ukraine, Yemen, Palestine, Syria and Ethiopia.

The lecture focused on discussing IH , its axes and relationship with other laws, such as human rights law, international relations, security studies, and conflict studies. It distinguished between the types of international and non-international armed conflicts, and some cases which are no longer classified as an armed conflict, such as the case of Afghanistan.

Moreover, Professor Sass li presented the recent challenges that are facing IH , such as the double standards of the international community and the laxity in holding accountable violations and crimes by some parties where former Sudanese

President Omar Al Bashir is being held accountable while turning a blind eye to Israeli violations against Palestinian civilians. He also explained that the absence of a clear definition of terrorism posed a “challenge” to the application of IH .

Additionally, he talked about the role of the media in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, pointing to the fact that the violations committed by the Ukrainian side are no less than those committed by the Russian side. He also stressed the need to respect IH during conflicts, to refrain from indiscriminate targeting operations that only serve to harm civilians, and to activate mechanisms of dialogue between the conflicting parties in IH , including non-state armed groups.

Furthermore, and in light of his visit to Qatar, QRCS hosted Professor Sass li in a closed discussion session on January 22, which was attended by academics, legal experts and the relevant institutions. The session tackled the application and enforcement of IH in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It also concentrated on the pivotal role of international law in protecting civilians during armed conflict in different regions, and the current challenges that are facing its application. Additionally, the session discussed the possibility of adapting IH to contemporary conflicts, the role of the different parties in raising the level of respect for IH , and the importance of raising awareness around IH rights amongst potential victims.

It is noteworthy that Professor Sass li is a high-ranking figure in the field of IH and possesses a wealth of experience. He has served as a legal official in the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and as a professor in number of prestigious universities and academic institutions. Recently, he chaired the investigation committee into violations of IH in the Russian-Ukrainian war. Moreover, he has authored many books and articles on IH , international criminal law, sources of international law, and the responsibility of states and nonstate actors.

This lecture comes as a first in a series of lectures that the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) will hold within the framework of its intellectual commitment to producing theoretical and applied knowledge to develop policies and practices that contribute to resolving crises.