The HBKU College of Law recently hosted Ms. Christie Edwards, the Head of Policy, Programmes, and Legal at Geneva Call, an international humanitarian organization that strengthens the respect of humanitarian norms and principles in conflict situations. Ms. Edwards spoke about implementing international humanitarian law (IHL) based on her work with armed groups, de facto authorities, and security forces in protecting civilians, and she also shed light on her life as an IHL lawyer.

Having worked in IHL throughout her career, including as Deputy/Acting Head of the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and as the IHL Director at the American Red Cross, Ms. Edwards informed HBKU Law students, faculty, and guests about the importance of the Geneva Conventions and how Geneva Call encourages armed groups and de facto authorities to abide by humanitarian norms.

According to HBKU Law Assistant Professor Dr. Ka Lok Yip, an IHL expert, the session not only informed the HBKU community and visitors about the challenges of implementing IHL principles but did a lot more “as the audience learned about the importance of engagement with a range of actors in hostile situations, including those who may hold completely opposite worldviews and values to ours, and the potential rewards of humanitarian diplomacy.”

HBKU Law regularly hosts public events that focus on contemporary issues with significant legal dimensions.