The introductory speech was given by Petr Válek, Director of the International law department of the MFA, who recalled the importance of international humanitarian law and mentioned the main priorities of the Czech Republic in this branch of international law. Benno Kocher, Head of Unit, External Resources Division (International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC) presented the activities of the ICRC, which leads operations in nearly 80 countries, with the current largest and costliest mission in Syria. Julie Tenenbaum, ICRC Regional Legal Adviser for Europe, devoted to evaluation of the 32nd International Conference of the Red Cross in December 2015 and its results, i.a. Resolution on detention in armed conflict and Resolution on compliance mechanism of the IHL. As current challenges Ms. Tenenbaum mentioned autonomous weapons that may be potentially conflicting with the principles of proportionality and distinction and terrorism in the context of contemporary armed conflicts.

The topic of the seminar as well as the following discussion attracted the participation of members of the National Committee for the implementation of International Humanitarian Law, representatives of ministries and the Czech Red Cross, as well as experts from international organizations and academia.