The seminar, part of a series of special events held all over the world, was organized jointly with the University of Colombo’s law faculty.

The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are international treaties that contain the most important rules protecting civilians and others in armed conflict. Together they comprise a major part of international humanitarian law. A total of 194 States have agreed to be bound by the Geneva Conventions.

The seminar was held not only to commemorate the adoption of the Additional Protocols but also to raise awareness of the enhanced legal protection they provide.

In attendance were close to 100 representatives of the Sri Lankan security forces, various government ministries, the diplomatic community, international organizations, the academic community and the media. The event was chaired by Deepika Udagama, head of the law faculty at the University of Colombo, Alexandre Faite, an ICRC regional adviser based in Kuala Lumpur, Toon Vandenhove, head of the ICRC delegation in Sri Lanka and Priyasath Dep, the solicitor-general of Sri Lanka.

The ICRC will be holding a further seminar on international humanitarian law and issues of accountability for the department of the attorney-general on 18 August. The event will be co-organized by the department and chaired by C. R. de Silva, attorney-general of Sri Lanka.