A Two-Day International Conference on Human Rights in Armed Conflict: Asian-European Perspectives

23 December 2025, 4 pm

Human Rights in Armed Conflict: Asian–European Perspectives

Armed conflicts, both international and non-international, have increased significantly in recent years, resulting in serious and widespread human rights violations. Civilians are increasingly exposed to unlawful killings, torture, forced displacement, and destruction of civilian infrastructure. Vulnerable groups, including women, children, minorities, and displaced populations, are particularly affected as legal and institutional protections weaken during hostilities.

International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) apply concurrently in situations of armed conflict and establish binding obligations for states and other parties. Serious violations may also constitute international crimes under International Criminal Law, including those under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. International Refugee Law and domestic legal systems further shape the protection framework in specific contexts. Despite these legal regimes, implementation remains uneven due to weak enforcement, limited international cooperation, lack of accountability, and insufficient political will.

Contemporary armed conflicts present new challenges. In non-international conflicts, hostilities are often framed as counter-terrorism operations, limiting the application of IHL protections. At the same time, rapid technological change has transformed warfare. The use of drones, autonomous weapon systems, cyber operations, and digital surveillance tools raises serious legal, ethical, and accountability concerns. Existing interpretations of international law struggle to address new forms of harm caused by cyber and information-based warfare, as well as the potential loss of meaningful human control over the use of force.

Armed conflict also has significant implications for global business and economic activity. Conflict-related disruptions affect supply chains, infrastructure, investment, and market stability. Businesses operating in or linked to conflict-affected areas face increasing expectations to respect human rights under international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Failure to conduct effective human rights due diligence exposes companies to legal, financial, and reputational risks.

Media and communication systems play a critical role in shaping public understanding and policy responses to armed conflict. While media coverage can support transparency and accountability, the spread of misinformation and disinformation—particularly through digital platforms—can escalate violence, distort narratives, and obscure human rights violations. Attacks on journalists, restrictions on press freedom, and digital censorship further undermine accountability and public trust.

Asian countries and the European Union (EU), with their diverse legal traditions, economic influence, and strong engagement in multilateral processes, are well positioned to contribute to global efforts to strengthen human rights protection in armed conflict. Both regions face complex security challenges and offer valuable perspectives on balancing security, legal obligations, economic interests, and media freedom.

The proposed conference, “Human Rights in Armed Conflict: Asian–European Perspectives,” aims to bring together legal scholars, policymakers, corporate actors, media professionals, and civil society representatives. The conference will promote dialogue, share regional experiences, and develop practical, policy-oriented recommendations to strengthen legal compliance, corporate responsibility, responsible media engagement, and effective governance in conflict situations.

Objectives of the Conference

• To critically examine the evolving norms of human rights protection in armed conflicts from Asian-European perspectives

• To discuss contemporary challenges such as the protection of civilians, the rights of refugees and displaced persons, sexual and gender-based violence, and accountability for war crimes

• To foster international academic and policy dialogue between Asia and Europe on strengthening humanitarian norms

• To explore the role of educational institutions, legal frameworks, and civil society in promoting human rights adherence during conflicts

• To build a platform for future Indo-European research collaborations and policy recommendationsTo address the human rights challenges raised by the use of technology in armed conflicts

Theme of the Conference

‘Human Rights in Armed Conflict: Asian-European Perspectives’

Sub-Themes of the Conference

• International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law: Convergence and Divergence in Armed Conflicts
• Asian European Contribution in the Protection of Human Rights and Implementation of Humanitarian Law
• Protection of Civilians and Vulnerable Groups: Children, Women, and Refugees
• Gender Dynamics of Armed Conflict and International Humanitarian Law
• Accountability Mechanisms for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
• Emerging Technologies, Cyber Warfare, and the Future of Human Rights in Conflict
• The Role of International and Regional Organizations in Conflict Resolution
• Enforcement Mechanism under IHL
• Role of Civil Societies in Enforcing the Humanitarian Law
• Human Rights Education and Advocacy in Conflict-Affected Societies
• Indo-European Diplomatic and Legal Cooperation on Humanitarian Issues

The above-mentioned sub-themes are not exhaustive.

Delegates can choose any other topic related to the main theme or any one of the sub-themes from their own country.

Call for Papers

The organizers invite original, unpublished, and quality research papers for the International Conference on the above sub-themes. Authors shall declare that the manuscripts submitted for the conference do not infringe the copyright of any other person. Interested researchers should send an abstract that contains 250-300 words, accompanied by a brief profile of the author, by filling in the registration form, the link

The Google form is given below:

https://forms.gle/oQKnu47BJtacCxdY9

Format of the Paper

• Font Size: 12
• Font: Time New Roman
• Word Limit: Minimum 3000 to a maximum of 5000 words
• Language of paper: Papers shall be submitted and presented in English only
• Co-authorship: Only one co-author is allowed, and each author needs to register separately
• Citation method: ILI/ The Bluebook 21st Edition
• Line spacing: 1.5
• Paper presentation Mode: Hybrid

Registration

Participants can register by completing the Google form and paying the prescribed fees, as applicable. Kindly take a screenshot or a receipt of payment to be uploaded to the Google form while registering. In case of a paper presentation, the researcher should fill in the registration form by uploading the abstract with other details. Registration fee is not refundable under any circumstances whatsoever.

 Registration Link: https://forms.gle/kwMzhKLja6DTJsmX6 

• Registration Fee includes breakfast- 2, Lunch-2, High Tea-2, and a Certificate of Participation/ Paper Presentation, as applicable.
• The organizers plan to publish the research papers in the form of an edited book with an ISBN No. after the Conference. Selection is subject to the quality of the research paper.

Important Dates :

• Submission of Abstract: 10th January, 2026
• Confirmation of Abstract: 12th January, 2026
• Submission of Full Paper: 20th January, 2026
• Last date of Payment of Fees & Registration:22th January, 2026
• International Conference & Research Paper Presentation: 6th & 7th February 2026