Membership in the Commission is a unique opportunity for further academic development in the field of international humanitarian law. Unfortunately, an issue that was once abstract today is exceptionally relevant. We cannot eliminate wars, but we must do everything we can to reduce the extent of suffering of their participants and victims
– says Dr Mateusz Piątkowski.
History and Leadership
The Programme Council of the Centre for the International Humanitarian Law Dissemination has been operating at the Governing Board of the Polish Red Cross (PCK) since 1979. It was transformed into the Commission for the International Humanitarian Law Dissemination in later years. Prof. Marcin Marcinko, representing the Jagiellonian University, has been the President of the Commission since 2012.
Composition of the Commission
The Commission consists of high-class specialists, including lawyers conducting scientific research and teaching in the field of public international law. It also includes permanent representatives of the ministries of national defense, foreign affairs, internal affairs, culture and national education and the fire service. Additionally, the Commission includes employees and volunteers of the Polish Red Cross.
Tasks of the Commission
The Commission for the International Humanitarian Law Dissemination carries out a number of key tasks, including:
- co-creating the activity programme of the Office of the Governing Board of the Polish Red Cross in the field of dissemination of international humanitarian law,
- conducting training activities,
- organising Prof. R. Biedrzanek competition for scientific papers,
- supporting the international activities of the Governing Board, including the development and editing of documents for sessions of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and participation in international conferences and scientific symposia,
- cooperating with Polish state institutions, structures of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in Sanremo and other organisations.
The Commission for the Dissemination of International Humanitarian Law plays a key role in the promotion of and education on international humanitarian law, supporting both national and international initiatives in this field.
Dr Mateusz Piątkowski – biographical note
Dr Piątkowski specialises in international humanitarian law of armed conflicts. He is the author of the book Wojna powietrzna a międzynarodowe prawo humanitarne [Air War and International Humanitarian Law] published by the Lodz University Press. For years he has been popularising international law by creating a podcast with Dr Tomasz Lachowski entitled "Lachowski i Piątkowski o prawie międzynarodowym" [Lachowski and Piątkowski on International Law].
Source: Polski Czerwony Krzyż
Photos: Daniel Maliński – Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Lodz