Facing a Stress Test: International Humanitarian Law in Modern Conflict
Stephen Wilkinson, Director - Diakonia, International Humanitarian Law Centre
Thursday, 16 July 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm
National Office
RHLT3, Ground Floor, Rutherford House, Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka, Pipitea Campus
As global conflicts evolve and intensify, our legal frameworks face unprecedented pressure. This event will discuss explore whether International Humanitarian Law is being respected in modern conflict zones and whether there can be accountability for the failure to protect civilians.
Engage directly with these pressing global issues during the interactive Q&A session following the opening address by Stephen Wilkinson, a globally recognised expert on international humanitarian and criminal law, from the International Humanitarian Law Centre in Stockholm, Sweden.
Biography
Stephen Wilkinson, the Director of the International Humanitarian Law Centre (IHL Centre), is an experienced international lawyer specialising in international humanitarian law and human rights. His experience includes working for UN Agencies, INGOs, and academic institutions such as Harvard University and the Geneva Academy. In addition, he has produced several publications relating to fact finding, investigations and standards of proof. He is a regular commentator for BBC News and BBC Radio.
The IHL Centre is an independent expert group that provides rapid and in-depth legal advice to the humanitarian sector, made up of a team of over 20 international lawyers. They currently provide legal analysis on over 14 conflict affected contexts around the world. The Centre runs an IHL advisory and help desk service, providing advice and analysis to a range of UN bodies, international & national NGOs, government and parliamentary actors, and international media.
As global conflicts evolve and intensify, our legal frameworks face unprecedented pressure. This event will discuss explore whether International Humanitarian Law is being respected in modern conflict zones and whether there can be accountability for the failure to protect civilians.
Engage directly with these pressing global issues during the interactive Q&A session following the opening address by Stephen Wilkinson, a globally recognised expert on international humanitarian and criminal law, from the International Humanitarian Law Centre in Stockholm, Sweden.
Biography
Stephen Wilkinson, the Director of the International Humanitarian Law Centre (IHL Centre), is an experienced international lawyer specialising in international humanitarian law and human rights. His experience includes working for UN Agencies, INGOs, and academic institutions such as Harvard University and the Geneva Academy. In addition, he has produced several publications relating to fact finding, investigations and standards of proof. He is a regular commentator for BBC News and BBC Radio.
The IHL Centre is an independent expert group that provides rapid and in-depth legal advice to the humanitarian sector, made up of a team of over 20 international lawyers. They currently provide legal analysis on over 14 conflict affected contexts around the world. The Centre runs an IHL advisory and help desk service, providing advice and analysis to a range of UN bodies, international & national NGOs, government and parliamentary actors, and international media.
Membership
NZIIA membership is open to anyone interested in understanding the importance of global affairs to the political and economic well-being of New Zealand.