Protecting Human Dignity in Armed Conflict; the conference was held in the Peace Palace in The Hague on the 140th anniversary of the Netherlands Red Cross

Human dignity becomes especially vulnerable during armed conflict. Where there is war, there is an increased chance of violations of international humanitarian law. Outrages occur: bystanders become victims and prisoners may be mistreated or humiliated through public exposure. On 19 October 2007, the Netherlands Red Cross hosted its conference, Protecting Human Dignity in Armed Conflict. This publication contains proceedings and speeches of this conference. We hope you find them an informative and constructive contribution to discussion in this important area. Protecting human dignity in armed conflict Preface Cees Breederveld Keynote Address H.R.H.. Princess Margriet of the Netherlands Introduction to the program Mireille Hector Session 1: THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW AND ARMED CONFLICTS Introduction Heikelien Verrijn Stuart Developments in international humanitarian law since 1977 Liesbeth Lijnzaad The nature and characteristics of contemporary armed conflict Mohamad-mahmoud Ould Mohamedou A military perspective on protecting human dignity in armed conflict Patrick Cammaert discussion Session 2: COMBATANT RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS PROTECTING HUMAN DIGNITY Introduction Seerp Ybema The responsibility of combatants towards detainees and civilians Jelena Pejic Combatant behaviour in Afghanistan Ton van Loon Military mental health Carl Castro discussion session 3: ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF OTHER ACTORS IN PROTECTING HUMAN DIGNITY Introduction Horst Fischer The role of the media Eddo Rosenthal The role of politicians Joris Voorhoeve The role of humanitarian organisations Kenny Gluck The role of medical staff Rob Ross discussion Closing session: FINDINGS BY THE CONFERENCE RAPPORTEUR Fabricio Guariglia List of contributors (in order of appearance)