To mark the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the cornerstone of international humanitarian law "The Four Geneva Conventions" Qanun, in collaboration with the Canadian Red Cross, organized a series of four educational sessions led by experts in international humanitarian law. The sessions provided an introduction to the Geneva Conventions, exploring their origins, legal framework, principles, and the roles of relevant international organizations.

In this session, Dr. Mekky provided a comprehensive introduction to the core principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Geneva Conventions. He traced the historical development of IHL—from its roots in ancient civilizations to its modern codification in treaties—highlighting its central aim: to minimize human suffering during armed conflict.

The session explored how IHL protects civilians, ensures humane treatment of the wounded and detained, and delineates the legal status of combatants versus criminals. Dr. Makki also examined contemporary challenges facing IHL, including the rise of non-state actors and the use of advanced military technologies. He emphasized the ongoing need to raise awareness and improve the enforcement of IHL principles in today’s conflicts.

Key Topics Covered:

• The humanitarian motivations behind the Law of War
• Distinctions between the Law of War and the Right to War
• Overview of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols
• Historical context and earlier treaties related to IHL