Xth International Conference for Young Researchers on
International Humanitarian Law
40th Anniversary of 1977 Additional Protocols to
the Geneva Conventions: Confirmed Relevance to the Contemporary Armed Conflicts
Russian-Armenian University (RAU) in cooperation with the Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Armenia (ICRC) announces the 10th International Conference for Young Researchers on International Humanitarian Law, which will be held from 26 October to 28 October 2017 in Yerevan, Republic of Armenia. The Conference offers a unique international platform for young scholars to discuss contemporary issues and perspectives related to IHL development. Since 2007, the geography of the Conference has much grown: during these years, RAU has hosted participants from Argentina, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Georgia, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Armenia and other states.
Each year the participants of the Conference, as well as the invited national and international experts are offered a platform to share their views on different issues related to IHL development. With this, the Conference undoubtedly makes an effective contribution to the whole process of reaffirmation and development of IHL. Over the years, the organizers of the Conference have hosted a number of renowned international experts in the field of International Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law and Constitutional Law thus providing a unique possibility to the participants not only to be heard by the established professionals and experts, but also to engage with them in the open discussion over their opinions and views. On top of it all, the Conference is providing a unique opportunity to the alumni to become a part of an already established international network of legal professionals from all over the world. Finally, the Conference provides a unique cultural experience of visiting the beautiful and hospitable Armenia and gives a chance to meet old and new friends from all over the world.
The Facebook account of the previous Conference is also available - https://www.facebook.com/IHLConference
Young researchers in the field of IHL under the age of 35 are invited to take part in the Conference pre-selection process. This year the Organizing Committee will also consider applications for the maximum of three positions of moderators for the one of below mentioned sections.
In order to apply, the applicants should submit a research paper strictly within the scope of the announced conference topics presented below.
The APPLICATION PACKAGE should be sent to ihlconference@rau.am and be comprised of:
- The Paper Abstract stating among others author’s original thesis, objectives and conclusions (maximum 1000 words, if selected, the participant will have to present the full version of the paper (up to 4500 words prior to the Conference, Paper Format),
- Duly Completed Application Form,
- Professional CV, also stating IHL related research (if any) and academic interests.
- English language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.). In case of absence of such certificate the Organizing Committee reserves the right to conduct an interview with the applicant via Skype to check his/her English language proficiency.
Applicants applying for the position of moderator should also submit a short motivation letter (maximum 500 words) describing their previous experience in the sphere of IHL and reasons for their willingness to participate as a moderator for one of the sections listed below.
The deadline for submitting the application package is September 21, 2017 at 19:00, GMT + 4:00. The applicants will be selected on a competitive basis. The selection results will be announced on September 26, 2017. Selected applicants will receive an official invitation letter, including the program details and the venue.
Organizing Committee will provide the visa support for the participants of the Conference, as well as the accommodation, meals, local transportation and materials during the Conference days. Please note that round-trip travel expenses are to be covered by the participants of the Conference.
THE CONFERENCE PANELS
PANEL 1. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ADDITIONAL PROTOCOLS, INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW AND INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW
The following issues could be analysed
· The relationship between the fundamental guarantees contained in the Additional Protocols and IHRL
· The relationship between the Additional Protocols and economic, social and cultural rights
· The relationship between the Additional Protocols and IHRL from a State's military perspective
· The relationship between the Additional Protocols and contemporary ICL
PANEL 2. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SERIOUS VIOLATIONS OF IHL UNDER THE ADDITIONAL PROTOCOLS
The following issues could be analysed
· Amnesties under APII: generating respect for IHL, deterring war crimes and achieving durable peace and reconciliation?
· The contributions of the Additional Protocols to accountability for serious violations of IHL
· Command responsibility in international and non-international armed conflicts: contributions of the Additional Protocols and of international case-law
PANEL 3. CHILDREN AND WAR
The following issues could be analysed
· Rights of children for food, water, health care in armed conflicts and other situations of violence
· Child soldiers
· Mental health and psycho-social consequences of armed conflict, particularly prolonged armed conflict, on children
· Safer access to education and Safe school process
PANEL 4. WAR AND THE BODY, WAR AND THE MIND: LEGAL ANALYSIS
The following issues could be analysed
· War wounded and other physical consequences of armed conflict, war surgery, the respectful and dignified handling of dead bodies, human enhancement of soldiers or the different ways in which genders experience war.
· Impact of war on mental health and the use of psychology in military operations.
· Psychological consequences of combat and psychological support for veterans and for the affected civilian population
· Behavior in war and respect of IHL
· IHL principle of prohibition of superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering in the context of modern armed conflicts
PANEL 5. PROTRACTED ARMED CONFLICT
The following issues could be analysed
· Particular trends in today’s protracted conflicts, such as emerging technologies, pervasive media coverage, and so on.
· The lack of respect for international humanitarian law as a major source of suffering in protracted conflict.
· The needs of affected people and challenges of humanitarian action.
· Binary paradigm of relief and development in addressing protracted conflicts.