Book launch for the Canadian Handbook on International Humanitarian Law
Apr 3, 2025 — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC) and the Canadian Red Cross are pleased to partner in presenting this online event and promote the registration for the Summer School in International Humanitarian Law 2025:
Book launch for the Canadian Handbook on International Humanitarian Law
Canada’s approach to war has shaped the way in which it interprets and implements international humanitarian law (IHL), or the law of armed conflict as it is also called. The Canadian Handbook on International Humanitarian Law, published in 2024, provides a useful “first stop” for the Canadian legal community on key topics in international humanitarian law, in a way which pays particular attention to Canadian sources, interpretations, applications and practices where they exist and are publicly available.
At the same time, given the iterative nature of the development of international law, especially customary international law, the book will also be useful to practitioners and scholars internationally. Indeed, despite the paucity of publicly available material, Canada has been a regular actor in this area of law and its contributions to the development of international humanitarian law should be highlighted.
Throughout The Canadian Handbook on International Humanitarian Law, the authors address the relationship between theory and practice, the implications and challenges of operating with partners and allies, and tensions between different state, civil society and critical perspectives. The authors aim to provide useful guidance and indicate Canadian resources for all engaged with international humanitarian law issues, from the field to the courtroom, and to the classroom.
The handbook also addresses the interplay between international humanitarian law and other relevant legal regimes, notably international human rights law and international criminal law. In a moment when international humanitarian law issues have garnered the attention of the public, as well as specialists, this handbook is timely and essential reading.
Join us for this fascinating discussion with the authors Steve Tiwa Fomekong, Catherine Gribbin, Andrew Thomson and Christopher Waters who will present this new publication and take you behind the scenes in the making of this first-ever Canadian-focused IHL book!
It should be noted that the authors have written this book in their personal capacity. The views expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the HRREC or the Canadian Red Cross.
Speakers
Steve Tiwa Fomekong
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Université Laval
Prior to joining this Faculty as a professor, he worked as a lecturer and research professional, and taught at various universities, institutes, and summer schools in Quebec, Canada, and Africa. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for International Studies (CERIUM) at Université de Montréal, where he served as a Research Fellow on Africa. He is a member of the Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Africa and the Middle East (CIRAM), where he also served as coordinator, and has contributed to research projects such as Promotion et renforcement du droit international humanitaire : Une contribution canadienne (Osons le DIH!). His research focuses on contemporary humanitarian issues, particularly the legal protection of victims of armed conflicts, as well as the interactions between international law and regional legal regimes, especially in the field of the protection of persons.
Catherine Gribbin
Senior Legal Advisor for IHL & Director, IHL team, Canadian Red Cross
Catherine has worked with the Canadian Red Cross in various legal and policy positions since 2009. In her work, Catherine advises on all matters related to IHL for the organisation including IHL dissemination; works with national and international partners on the development and implementation of IHL; and works with various government actors on their implementation and compliance with IHL including training of the Canadian Armed Force and the RCMP on IHL and related matters. Catherine worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross in 2017-2018 as the Legal Advisor for their operations in Nigeria. Catherine is called to the bar in Ontario and Nova Scotia and is a graduate of Dalhousie Law School.
Andrew Thomson, C.D.
Commander, Retired
He served for over 21 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a legal officer in the Office of the JAG in a variety of leadership roles. He deployed to Afghanistan and Bosnia where he advised on the law of armed conflict at the tactical and strategic level. He served as the Director of International Law, where he worked closely with colleagues in Global Affairs Canada at home and abroad supporting Canadian initiatives in international law, and the Director of the Strategic Joint Staff Legal Advisor where he and his staff supported CAF leadership in mounting the full spectrum of military activities inside and outside of Canada. He participated in a number of IHL expert groups and meetings on a range of topics. Most recently led the legal team contributing to the Defence efforts to support the third independent review of the military justice system conducted by former Supreme Court of Canada Justice Morris Fish. Upon his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces, he joined the Public Service, where he practices in public law, dealing with national security and national defence subjects.
Christopher Waters
Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
He served as Dean of the Faculty from 2015 to 2021. He has extensive field experience in conflict and post-conflict areas, including with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. His academic interests include international humanitarian law, the use of force in international law, international legal history and the role of cities in international law. Dr. Waters is the author of several books, and his articles on international law and armed conflict have appeared in journals such as the Canadian Yearbook of International Law, the American Journal of International Law, and the University of Toronto Law Journal. He is co-editor of the Canadian Bar Review.