By Andrew Leith
Dominik Stillhart, Director of Operations, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) spoke to NDU students and faculty on December 5 regarding the ICRC’s response to recent humanitarian challenges in Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Somalia. Stillhart reflected on the challenges of maintaining neutrality and independence in armed conflicts and violent situations, and the necessity of engaging both states and non-state armed groups such as the Taliban and ISIS on their obligations under the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC).
Stillhart also discussed key LOAC developments affecting the modern battlefield, including the controversial definition of membership in a non-state armed group, and civilian direct participation in hostilities. His presentation provided an international perspective on effectively managing and coordinating a $1.7 billion dollar budget designed to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict in more than 80 countries.