Frits Kalshoven International Humanitarian Law Competition (19th edition)
The Frits Kalshoven International Humanitarian Law Competition, hosted in The Hague, NLD, is a distinguished event for college students focused on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This competition provides a practical platform for participants to engage with complex legal scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of the laws governing armed conflict. It is designed to challenge students' analytical and advocacy skills in a simulated legal environment.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 5 countries stand on the dominant committee topic. Click through for the full country profile.
NetherlandsAs the host nation, NLD plays a central role in promoting international law and justice, providing the venue for this significant IHL competition.
Role in topic
The NLD, particularly The Hague, is a global hub for international law and justice, hosting numerous international courts and organizations. Its commitment to upholding international humanitarian law is demonstrated through its support for events like the Frits Kalshoven Competition, which educates the next generation of legal professionals.
SwitzerlandCHE is a foundational state in IHL, being the depositary of the Geneva Conventions and home to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Role in topic
CHE has a long-standing tradition of neutrality and humanitarian action, playing a pivotal role in the development and promotion of international humanitarian law. The principles enshrined in the Geneva Conventions, which are central to IHL, have strong roots in CHE's diplomatic efforts and its hosting of key humanitarian organizations.
United StatesThe USA, as a major global power, is a significant actor in the application and interpretation of IHL, particularly in its military operations.
Role in topic
The USA's approach to international humanitarian law is influential due to its extensive military engagements and its role in shaping international legal discourse. Its interpretations and applications of IHL, particularly concerning topics like civilian protection and the conduct of armed conflict, are closely scrutinized and contribute to the evolving understanding of these laws.
RussiaRUS's actions in recent armed conflicts have brought its adherence to IHL under intense international scrutiny.
Role in topic
RUS's involvement in various armed conflicts has led to significant international attention regarding its compliance with international humanitarian law. Discussions around its military conduct, particularly concerning civilian protection and the treatment of combatants, highlight the critical importance of IHL in contemporary global affairs.
UkraineUKR is a state experiencing armed conflict, making the application and enforcement of IHL directly relevant to its current situation.
Role in topic
As a country currently facing armed conflict, UKR is directly impacted by the principles and provisions of international humanitarian law. The conflict within its borders serves as a critical case study for the challenges and complexities of applying IHL in practice, particularly concerning the protection of civilians and accountability for violations.
Topics & background
The history behind each committee topic and the states that shape it.
International Humanitarian Law: Foundations and Contemporary Challenges
Key players
- Switzerland
Depositary of the Geneva Conventions and host state of the ICRC.
- United States
Major military power and influential, though selectively engaged, interpreter of IHL norms.
- Russia
Permanent UNSC member whose conduct in Ukraine has triggered major IHL accountability proceedings.
ChinaRising military power shaping debates on new technologies and sovereignty-based readings of IHL.
United KingdomOriginal Geneva Conventions signatory active in shaping treaty interpretation and military manuals.
- Netherlands
Host of the ICC, ICJ, and key IHL institutions, and a leading promoter of accountability.
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
Key players
- Switzerland
Depositary of the Geneva Conventions and convenor of IHL diplomacy.
- United States
Largest military donor and frequent party to coalition operations raising POC questions.
- Russia
Party to conflicts in Ukraine and Syria scrutinised for civilian-harm practices.
FranceP5 member and active sponsor of Security Council POC resolutions.
IrelandLead state behind the 2022 Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.
NorwayMajor humanitarian donor and diplomatic broker on civilian protection norms.
Protection of Civilian Infrastructure in Armed Conflict
Key players
- Ukraine
State whose energy and water infrastructure has been systematically targeted, shaping current practice.
- Russia
Party accused of large-scale attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
IsraelBelligerent in Gaza where infrastructure destruction and dual-use debates are central.
- United States
Leading military and cyber power shaping doctrine on infrastructure targeting.
- Switzerland
Convenor of IHL diplomacy and host of ICRC initiatives on critical infrastructure protection.
- Netherlands
Host of international courts and active proponent of protection norms for cyber and physical infrastructure.
Civilian Use of Mobile Phone Applications to Support Intelligence Gathering by Armed Forces
Key players
- Ukraine
Pioneer of state-run civilian reporting apps integrated into military targeting.
- Russia
Adversary whose forces are the object of such reporting, raising reciprocity concerns.
- United States
Home of major platform providers and shaper of doctrine on civilianisation of the battlespace.
- Israel
State employing extensive digital and crowdsourced intelligence in ongoing operations.
- Switzerland
Host of the ICRC, which leads normative work on DPH and digital civilians.
EstoniaLeading digital-government and cyber-defence state engaged in policy on civilian cyber participation.
Internment of Civilians During Occupation
Key players
- Israel
Occupying power with extensive practice of administrative detention in the occupied territory.
- Russia
Occupying power in parts of Ukraine, scrutinised for detention of civilians.
- Ukraine
State whose civilians are subject to internment in occupied areas.
- United States
Influential interpreter of security detention rules following post-2001 occupations.
- Switzerland
Depositary of the Geneva Conventions and home of the ICRC, which monitors internment.
PalestineParty whose population is most affected by long-standing administrative detention practice.
Transfer of Interned Civilians Out of Occupied Territory
Key players
- Russia
State whose transfers of Ukrainian civilians underpin current ICC proceedings.
- Ukraine
State whose civilians, including children, have been transferred out of occupied territory.
- Israel
Occupying power whose transfers of detainees into its own territory are long contested.
- Netherlands
Host of the ICC, where central cases on civilian transfers are being adjudicated.
- Switzerland
Depositary of the Geneva Conventions and host of the ICRC's family-tracing services.
- Palestine
Affected party in transfers from the occupied Palestinian territory.
Key terms & resources
The concepts worth knowing before Frits Kalshoven International Humanitarian Law Competition (19th edition), plus lessons and profiles to go deeper.
Country profiles
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
NetherlandsCountry dossier
SwitzerlandCountry dossier
United StatesCountry dossier
RussiaCountry dossier
ChinaCountry dossier
United KingdomCountry dossier
FranceCountry dossier
IrelandCountry dossier
NorwayCountry dossier
UkraineCountry dossier
IsraelCountry dossier
EstoniaCountry dossier
PalestineCountry dossier
In the news
Recent reporting to ground your prep