Lecture - The key findings of the updated (2017) ‘ICRC Commentary on the Second Geneva Convention of 1949’

Programme

Since the adoption of the Geneva Conventions in 1949, their rules have been tested in reality, and their interpretation has been refined over the years. In 2011, the ICRC has undertaken a project to update its Commentaries on all four Geneva Conventions, the initial version of which dates from the 1950s. The main aim of the updated Commentaries is to give people an understanding of the law as it is interpreted today, so that it is applied effectively in today’s and tomorrow’s armed conflicts.

Bruno Demeyere, expert of the Commentaries Unit of the ICRC in Geneva, will present this project, and the main findings of the 2017 Commentary on the Second Convention of Geneva. Amongst others he will discuss how to qualify armed conflicts at sea, and how the specific rules of the Second Convention protect the wounded, sick and shipwrecked members of the armed forces in case of an armed conflict at sea. He will also discuss how that Convention relates to other rules of international law protecting people in distress at sea. The Commentary is essential and crucial for everyone involved in international humanitarian law and more specifically armed conflicts at sea.

This event is organized for the occasion of the 11th edition of the Frits Kalshoven Competition, an International Humanitarian Law competition for law students, yearly organized together with the Netherlands Red Cross.

Practical information

• 19th of February 2018, 19h – 21h (doors open 18h30)
• Belgian Red Cross-Flanders - Motstraat 42 - 2800 Mechelen (the event will take place in building ‘Sango’)
• More info: 015 44 35 05 - www.ihr.rodekruis.be - humanitair.recht@rodekruis.be 

Participation is free, however registration is necessary.

Register here