Across the world’s conflict zones, there are reports of enormous increases in drone attacks on civilians, aid workers, journalists, and human rights activists. This digital roundtable convenes experts in the field for a conversation about the rapidly growing security threat represented by drone attacks on civilians. The roundtable aims to take stock of developments in 2024 and initiate a discussion between practitioners, academics, and policymakers about protection strategies and legal and policy responses required going forward.
Programme
15:00 - 15:10: Welcome and introduction
- Kristin Bergtora Sandvik, Peace Research Institute (PRIO) and University of Oslo (UiO)
I. Taking stock
15:10 - 15:25: How did we get there? From drone wars to Russian drone attacks on civilians in Ukraine
- Faine Greenwood, Humanitarian technology writer and researcher
15:25 - 15:40: Drone attacks and impact on rescue teams in Syria
- White Helmets, Sami Mohammed, Head of unexploded ordnance team
15:40 - 15:55: Drone attacks on healthcare in Myanmar, Palestine and Ethiopia
- Insecurity Insight, Christina Wille
15:55 - 16:10: What does International law say?
- Abby Zeith, Legal Adviser, Arms and Conduct of Hostilities Unit, ICRC’s Legal Division
- Moving forward
16:10 - 16:40: Roundtable discussion on protection strategies and policy needs
- Participants, moderated by Kristin Bergtora Sandvik
16:40 - 16:55: Q&A
16:55 - 17:00: Wrap up and acknowledgment
