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Laos: Seminar for armed forces reaffirms importance of humanitarian law

Laos IHL seminar for armed forces
Officers of Lao People’s Armed Forces (LPAF) gather for an IHL refresher seminar in Vientiane, reaffirming commitment to the principles of international humanitarian law. Kanjanachat Meethong/ICRC

Officers from the Lao People’s Armed Forces (LPAF) and experts from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) came together for a two-day refresher seminar on international humanitarian law (IHL) in Vientiane, Laos. 

Organized by our regional delegation in Bangkok, Thailand, in partnership with the LPAF on 15 and 16 May 2025, the seminar “IHL: Refreshing our understanding, charting the way forward” offered a space for open and constructive dialogue on strengthening the knowledge and practical application of humanitarian law. Anchored in a shared commitment to the protection of civilians, the event renewed the partnership with LPAF after it was paused because of COVID-19.

Around 25 officers of the LPAF attended the event and discussed complex legal and operational issues, including the difference between the law enforcement and conduct of hostilities paradigms, protection of civilians in armed conflict, command responsibility and evolving legal considerations of new technologies in warfare. The discussions also included case studies to gauge the understanding of IHL. 

Our team, comprising legal and military advisers with regional expertise, led the sessions with technical inputs and in-depth discussions on the latest developments in humanitarian law.

This seminar was a unique opportunity to reconnect with the LPAF and engage in substantive conversations about how IHL applies in today’s changing operational environments. The exchange highlighted a shared commitment to ensuring that the protection of civilians remains at the heart of military operations.

Lloyd Gillett ICRC’s armed and security forces delegate from the Bangkok regional delegation

Engaging directly with armed forces on legal frameworks is essential. These conversations help build a common understanding of how the law can be implemented realistically and effectively, even in the most challenging situations.

Clementine Rendle ICRC’s regional legal adviser

The event reaffirmed the importance of continuous dialogue and capacity-building on IHL, particularly as armed conflicts across the globe become increasingly complex. It also paved the way for cooperation between the ICRC and the LPAF in the future.

Laos IHL seminar for the armed forces
"Protecting civilians must remain at the core of military operations," said Lloyd Gillett, ICRC’s armed and security forces delegate. Kanjanachat Meethong/ICRC
Laos IHL seminar for the armed forces
LPAF officers engaged in open dialogue with ICRC experts on the practical application of humanitarian law in complex conflict environments. Kanjanachat Meethong/ICRC
Laos IHL seminar for the armed forces
The seminar concluded with a shared commitment towards deeper cooperation and engagement on international humanitarian law. Kanjanachat Meethong/ICRC