Fundamentally speaking – The 60th anniversary of the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: In defence of humanity

This event will be the first event for the WA IHL Advisory Committee in 2025 following the ARC’s transformative period and appointment of new Committee members.

In 1956, Jean Pictet, director for general affairs of the ICRC at the time stated that “The future of the Red Cross depends on its universality, on its principles being accepted by the different nations and, within the nations, by individuals of every shade of opinion”. The study by Jean Pictet was a decisive step in the path towards the proclamation on 8 October 1965, during its Second Plenary Session during which the General Commission of the 20th International Conference of the Red Cross formally and unanimously adopted the Fundamental Principles.

This event will discuss the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on the approach to their 60th anniversary, while avoiding any specific discussion of current armed conflicts. The international rule of law has never faced such a testing period, and so the purpose of this event will be to:

• Provide factual explanation of the role of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and its Fundamental Principles
• Provide an overview of key aspects of IHL as they relate to contemporary armed conflicts (eg humanitarian relief, protection of medical personnel and objects)
• Focus on the content of the Principle of Humanity, as proclaimed in 1965: “The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battle-field, endeavours — in its international and national capacity — to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all peoples”
• Provide an overview of impartiality and neutrality
• Provide detail on the implementation of IHL on the ground and what it means for impacted civilians (including what it means when humanitarian relief isn’t accessible and when medical / humanitarian workers and objects are subject to attack)
• Provide a counterfactual to current discourse around non-compliance with IHL, with views provided by the Australian Defence Force regarding Australia’s compliance with IHL 

Target Audience 

Suitable for all levels including the legal profession, judiciary, academics and law students.

Presenters 

Chair: Amanda Murphy, WA IHL Advisory Committee Representative

Dr Melanie O’Brien, Associate Professor, UWA

Chris Owen, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright

Representative from Australian Defence Force