A Panel discussion on ‘A Call to Preserve Humanity in War: The Initiative towards making International Humanitarian Law (IHL) a Global Priority’ was jointly organized by the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently.
The Panel discussion was based on the ‘Global Initiative’ launched in New York on 27th September 2024 by six states namely Brazil, China, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa together with the ICRC in response to the urgent need for collective action and political will to respect IHL and restore humanity.
Delivering the inaugural remarks Director General of the BIDTI Ambassador Pamela J. Deen stated that today we live in a more uncertain and perilous world. Thus, predictability and stability of a rules-based international order, marked by mutual respect and careful action, can no longer be taken for granted. The use of force, even at the risk of dangerous escalation, is becoming more common, and protracted conflict is becoming the norm. Multiple, simultaneous crises and conflicts across the globe strain the attention and resources of states, international bodies, and the public-at-large. Under these circumstances, the risk of transgressions of International Humanitarian Law has been greatly increased, together with the chance of impunity for its perpetrators. Therefore, it is more vital than ever to safeguard, spread, and uphold the knowledge and application of International Humanitarian Law.
The keynote speaker Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, the former Foreign Secretary and the former Executive Director of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS), commended organisers for convening the timely event mentioning the prevailing global conflict situation. Referring to the history of the internal uprising as well as the civil war in Sri Lanka, he appreciated the role played by the ICRC during the war and the post war period.
The Panel comprising of H. E. Sandile Schalk, High Commissioner for South Africa, Ambassador of France H. E. Rémi Lambert, ICRC Regional Adviser for South Asia Prof. Andrey Kozik, and Deputy Legal Adviser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and Chairperson of the National IHL Committee of Sri Lanka Ms. Tilani Silva deliberated on the topic. Panelists gave a comprehensive account of the topic and the importance of creating awareness of International Humanitarian Law.
The panel discussion was followed by a dynamic Q&A session from the audience comprising of members of the diplomatic corps, academia, military, civil society and media attending the event held on 9th July, 2025 at the BMICH.
