Assistant Professor Dr. Fathi Mohammed Fathi Al-Hayani, a faculty member in the Human Rights Law Branch at the College of Law – University of Mosul, participated in the Global Forum for Professors of International Humanitarian Law, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in collaboration and partnership with the Directorate of International Law at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, from August 24 to 27, 2026.

The forum was held at the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, with the participation of a select group of academics, experts, and professors specializing in international humanitarian law from various universities and research institutions around the world.

Over the course of four days, the forum featured specialized dialogue sessions and scientific workshops aimed at enhancing and developing the teaching and application of international humanitarian law provisions in light of contemporary challenges. The activities addressed a number of important themes, most notably the contemporary challenges facing international humanitarian law, mechanisms for preserving its integrity and interpreting it in good faith, reconsidering the framework for classifying armed conflicts, as well as examining the legal implications of using modern technologies, including smart weapons, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare.

Participants also discussed ways to utilize academic expertise in the formulation and review of national legislation and the preparation of voluntary reports related to the domestic implementation of international humanitarian law, in addition to contributing to the updating of commentaries and interpretations concerning the Additional Protocols of 1977 and the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

The forum also included discussions on mechanisms for developing specialized training programs targeting judges, parliamentarians, members of the armed forces, and public officials, through strengthening cooperation between academic institutions, governmental bodies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The participation of Dr. Fathi Al-Hayani in this international scientific forum affirms the College of Law at the University of Mosul’s commitment to enhancing its academic presence in international forums and expanding the horizons of cooperation and research partnerships with leading global institutions, thereby contributing to the exchange of expertise and the development of the educational and research systems in the fields of international humanitarian law and human rights law.