Recent armed conflicts have seen civilians encouraged to collect militarily-relevant information through smart-phone; unprecedented numbers of civilian hacker groups (often referred to as “hacktivists”) conducting cyber operations against perceived enemies; and technology companies providing services and infrastructure to belligerents, at times unaware of the risks this may expose company assets, staff, and customers. This trend has serious implications for the safety of civilians during armed conflict.
As part of a joint initiative on the Digitalization of Conflict: Humanitarian Impact and Legal Protection by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, extensive research and expert consultations were carried out to examine how international humanitarian law (IHL) applies to civilian involvement in cyber and other digital activities during armed conflicts.
To mark the launch of “IHL and the Growing Involvement of Civilians in Cyber Operations and other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Activities in Armed Conflict” report, the ICRC and the Geneva Academy are hosting an interactive online expert event. The event will not only present the report’s findings but also tackle pressing legal questions and advance practical proposals for States, technology companies, and humanitarian actors to limit civilian involvement, reduce harm, and prevent violations of IHL.
- International sign language interpretation will be provided at this event. -