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Mr. John Sparks (U.S.) presents a conference memento to Lt. Gen. Gennady Zolotukhin (Russia), accompanied by Ms. Eugeniya Surkova. |
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Mr. Kosirnik cautioned attendees that the use of "humanitarian" intervention in itself is a dichotomy, because armed force may inflict suffering. Also, what is "humanitarian intervention" to one is "aggression" to another. Hence, ICRC focuses on basic human needs, not politics. He cited three examples: the war in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe (1979), Iran/Iraq war (1983), and Bosnia-Herzegovina (1992). Each war perpetrated significant suffering for people not actually involved in conflict, and serve to illustrate ICRC’s interest in resolving humanitarian concerns.
Summary
In sum, retaining the independence of humanitarian workers is paramount, and aid rendered must make no distinction between or amongst recipients. States should recognize that international humanitarian law is not an argument for "just wars." It is, instead, a venue to address the suffering attendant with all conflict, whether inter-or intra-state.
The 13th Annual Military Operations and Law Conference afforded attendees the opportunity to address profound international legal issues. While a conference attended predominately by lawyers could reasonably be expected to be contentious at times, observers could not doubt the commitment of one and all to address legal issues of concern to the world community as a whole in a friendly and professional manner. Discussions were lively, and the participants knowledgeable. Their collective wisdom and experience contributed to greater Asia-Pacific appreciation of the issues, and to possibly more tolerance for legal views not previously embraced. It was a small step, perhaps, but a step nonetheless. As a result, reasonable people, addressing issues transcending traditionally accepted views, now have the opportunity to enhance human welfare.
