The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently invited the Sovereign Order of Malta to participate in the consultations on IHL and ICTs, IHL and hospitals, IHL and peace, and IHL and naval warfare.
UPHOLDING INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW IN THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES DURING ARMED CONFLICTS (15 May 2025)
The first session aimed to address the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) during armed conflicts. The discussion centered on safeguarding civilians from dangers stemming from ICT activities and disseminating information in violation of international humanitarian law (IHL) during armed conflicts. Additionally, it addressed the risks of harm from the military’s use of civilian ICT infrastructure and civilians’ involvement in ICT activities during armed conflicts. First, Ambassador Michel Veuthey emphasized that ICT-related activities can lead to modern forms of exploitation, such as the collection of private data and the facilitation of forced labor, violence, prostitution, and the recruitment of child soldiers. Second, he discussed the applicability of the “public conscience” according to the “Martens Clause,” a provision of general applicability and customary law that could be fundamental in coping with the rapid evolution of military technology.
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW AND PEACE (26 May 2025)
The second session aimed to explore how international humanitarian law (IHL) could contribute to building peace and facilitating mediation. During his presentation, Ambassador Michel Veuthey emphasized the importance of IHL in fostering trust among conflicting parties. He noted that humanitarian gestures have a lasting impact that extends beyond the conflict, whereas violations of IHL have long-term consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Therefore, mediators and supporting states must fully integrate the fundamental principles of IHL into every stage of peace negotiations. Ambassador Veuthey then highlighted the importance of implementing transitional justice mechanisms in both international and non-international conflicts. He concluded by reaffirming the Sovereign Order of Malta’s role in applying and promoting IHL.
ACHIEVING MEANINGFUL PROTECTION FOR HOSPITALS IN ARMED CONFLICT (28 May 2025)
The third session addressed the protection of hospitals in armed conflicts. Since January 2023, the World Health Organization’s Surveillance System for Attacks on Healthcare has reported that 2,074 medical facilities have been affected by damage, destruction, or obstruction. In his remarks, Ambassador Michel Veuthey emphasized that hospital protection must also encompass mobile medical facilities and staff. He recalled that hospitals are sanctuaries of peace and humanity, and he reaffirmed the Order of Malta’s commitment to carrying out humanitarian operations. Finally, Ambassador Veuthey noted that, according to the 1952 and 2016 ICRC commentaries on Article 26 of the 1949 First Geneva Convention, the Sovereign Order of Malta, its medical units, and its staff enjoy the same level of protection as National Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.
NAVAL WARFARE (4 June 2025)
The fourth session aimed to discuss naval warfare. The purpose of this consultation was to provide a space for States and organizations to reflect on critical humanitarian issues arising from contemporary armed conflicts at sea, as well as how applicable laws can be adapted to these conflicts. Ambassador Michel Veuthey contributed to the discussion by emphasizing that modern military operations at sea pose serious threats to the global economy, humanitarian aid, energy security, food security, trade, migration, and the international system. Addressing these challenges requires strictly applying existing legal instruments related to humanitarian, maritime, environmental, and human rights law. Instead of creating new treaties, efforts should focus on implementing existing legal tools and fundamental principles.
