Largest ever meeting on autonomous weapons systems, convened by MFA Austria.
140 states, 900 delegates.
Humanity at the crossroads, let us not miss the right turn.
We cannot delegate decisions of life and death over human beings to algorithms.
AWS2024.at
#AWS #IHL

Today at #AWS2024Vienna , Mirjana Spoljaric (Archive) underscored the urgent need for a new legally binding instrument to
❌prohibit #autonomousweapons that pose the gravest risks for #IHL compliance & our values: unpredictable AWS and antipersonnel AWS.
⚠️place strict constraints on others.

1/6 IHL has a long history of regulating the respect for and protection of the dead in armed conflicts.
Respecting the dignity of the dead is a fundamental tenet of #IHL .
Read more on the fundamental rules 👇
icrc.org/en/document/hu…
🧵

When heavy explosive weapons hit cities, the visible horrors are just the beginning.

Over and over again, in armed conflicts worldwide, we see ongoing suffering.

Let's call for all States to sign the EWIPA Political Declaration. #EWIPAOslo

The Mirjana Spoljaric (Archive) statement for the #Oslo Conference:
➡️We are witnessing a global & collective failure to #protect #civilians in armed conflicts.
➡️What is urgently needed is tangible on-the-ground change to curb the use of #EWIPA .
#IHL #explosiveweapons
icrc.org/en/document/gl…

Healthcare workers save lives.

Under international humanitarian law, hospitals, healthcare workers, and ambulances must be allowed to perform their crucial roles.

Paying tribute to the first responders during armed conflicts, Nils Melzer encouraged the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to continue with their work of helping those trapped in war. Humanity First! The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS)

Deeply moved & humbled by the powerful legend & legacy of #NelsonMandela , one of the greatest leaders in human history. In a world yearning for peace, hope & humanity, may we all be inspired & guided by his exemplary leadership, wisdom & embodiment of our shared humanity.

Read | Keynote Address by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes at the Sixth Commonwealth Red Cross and Red Crescent International Humanitarian Law Conference, 15 April 2024.

dirco.gov.za/keynote-addres…

Siege warfare has left millions of civilians trapped under fire, lacking food, water & medical care.
International humanitarian law imposes limits to besieging & besieged parties. First & foremost sieges may only be directed against enemy armed forces.
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icrc.org/en/document/pr…

“Delivering humanitarian assistance across #Sudan and engaging parties to the conflict on their obligations under International Humanitarian Law are our priorities”, said Martin Schüepp during a visit to Port-Sudan.

Rest in peace #DickMarty - thank you for your courage, truth & integrity, may your legacy live on!

Swiss prosecutor and ‘mafia hunter’ Dick Marty dies aged 78 - SWI swissinfo.ch swissinfo.ch/eng/business/s…

A pleasure to sign a Headquarters agreement with Brazil today. I look forward to our enhanced dialogue and cooperation on humanitarian issues.

The ICRC is shocked and appalled by a deliberate attack on its humanitarian convoy in Khartoum (Sudan) on Sunday.

Read more: ms.spr.ly/6014iTkx4

On Dec 4, former ICRC Head of Legal Division and Editor of the Intl Review of the Red Cross (and avid ICRC Library user) Hans-Peter Gasser passed away.
His publications reflect a decades-long career dedicated to the development and dissemination of #IHL : library.icrc.org/library/search…

Happy news from #Sudan for the families of 94 ex-detainees!

This is how we ICRC help changing the world - for one person at a time.

Thank you Hans-Peter Gasser
from my heart
for your life’s work
for your friendship
for your courage and
for your deep sense of justice.

It has been a privilege to know & work with you - rest in peace! 🙏🏻