International Humanitarian Law: Even War Has Rules (On Demand Seminar)

A pre-recorded streaming VIDEO replay from the November 2023 International Humanitarian Law: Even War Has Rules program.

Today armed conflicts are ongoing around the world. At times it may seem that there are no rules in war. Fortunately, there are rules in war, and they can make a difference. This seminar is an introduction to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and how it governs armed conflict.

By the end of this course, participants will achieve a general understanding of IHL and will be better able to evaluate the actions of parties to armed conflicts. This version of Even War Has Rules is adapted for CLE.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Learn the sources of law and rules that apply to armed conflicts
• Discover how IHL protects people and places during armed conflicts
• Learn what the fundamental principles of IHL are that guide the development of these rules
• Understand the role of the Red Cross in responding to humanitarian crises
  

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Albert Rees, Jr., American Red Cross / Richmond

As a volunteer with the American Red Cross, Al leads the Virginia Region’s International Humanitarian Law (IHL) programs to raise public awareness about IHL.

Al served in the United States Air Force as a judge advocate (a military lawyer), retiring as a colonel in 2018. As a judge advocate, he served as a prosecutor and defense attorney, and advised commanders on a full spectrum of legal matters including IHL. In 2006, Al left active duty for the Department of Justice—remaining busy in the Air Force Reserve. At DOJ, he focused on cybercrime issues and represented the U.S. in international efforts to combat global cybercrime and improve cybersecurity. Al moved to the Department of State in 2019, where he led U.S. negotiations on cybercrime at the United Nations General Assembly.

Al has trained thousands of U.S. and foreign military officers and government officials worldwide. In addition, Al taught as an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University and the University of Virginia.

He has a J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans and an LL.M. in international and comparative law from Georgetown.

Al is a native of Louisiana, living in Richmond, Virginia.