The International Law Society and the Department of International Law, KIIT Law School (KLS) organized a Webinar on International Humanitarian Law on 6th of August, 2021. The speaker of the Webinar, Prof. Srinivas Burra, Faculty of Legal Studies, South Asian University, New Delhi delivered the lecture on the topic “The Relevance of International Humanitarian Law in Contemporary Armed Conflicts”.
Prof. Burra described the genesis, development and sources of International Humanitarian Law and explained the different types of armed conflicts where the International Humanitarian Laws are applicable. In the second part of his presentation, he focused on the nature of contemporary armed conflicts. Drawing attention to the ongoing conflicts in Israel-Palestine, Syria, etc., he highlighted the increasing complexities of armed conflicts that blur the traditional difference between international and non-international armed conflicts. He explained the concept of internationalized armed conflict and stressed upon the jurisprudence developed through the judgments of the ICTY, ICJ which contributed towards giving a new layer to the understanding of internationalized armed conflict. His presentation on the complex issue of applicability of International Humanitarian Law in respect of non-state actors was very lively and informative. Prof. Burra actively interacted with the participants and answered various questions asked by them.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Prof. Dr. Bhavani Prasad Panda, Director, KLS emphasized on the scope of Humanitarian Law and highlighted the need for continuous research required in this branch of Law. Prof. Panda mentioned that though there are countless examples of violations of international humanitarian law, continuous efforts are made by the international community, international organizations, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations to strengthen the values of humanitarian law and protection of civilians, prisoners, the sick and the wounded, and in restricting the use of barbaric weapons. He concluded by encouraging the student’s society of international law to carry out extensive research on various issues of international law.
The session concluded with the vote of thanks by final year student Ms. Zeenat Ul Kubra, Vice-President of International Law Society. The event was coordinated by Ms. Mitul Dutta, Assistant Professor. The webinar was attended by the students, faculty members of KLS and participants from other institutions as well.