The Civilian in Modern War: International security expert Sir Adam Roberts

OTTAWA , Nov. 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Despite horrific failures in Rwanda and Srebrenica, there have been advances in protection for civilians in armed conflict. Renowned international security expert Sir Adam Roberts will be in Ottawa on November 19 to deliver a lecture at Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC). In his presentation, Sir Roberts will consider the changing roles and perceptions of civilians caught in the crossfire. He will examine the laws of war and the role of the United Nations, and argue that the protection of civilians is likely to remain an important aspect of international attempts to limit the effects of war.

    
    Date:  Thursday, November 19, 2009
    Time:  2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
    Where: IDRC, 150 Kent (corner of Albert), 8th Floor, W. David Hopper
           Room, Ottawa, ON
    

One of the world's leading scholars on international law and security, Sir Adam is a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University's Centre for International Studies. He was recently elected President of the British Academy, a national funding agency that champions the humanities and social sciences.

Sir Adam has supervised elections in Bosnia and Kosovo, and acted as an adviser to the United Nations and the Red Cross. He has published widely on international security, the laws of war, and international organizations. His most recent book, co-edited with Timothy Garton Ash, is Civil Resistance and Power Politics: The Experience of Non-violent Action from Gandhi to the Present. He was knighted in 2002 in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the study and practice of international relations.

The event is open to the media. French and English simultaneous interpretation is available. Spaces are limited and journalists are encouraged to register by calling Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé at 613-696-2343. For more information, visit www.idrc.ca/events.

About IDRC

Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is one of the world's leading institutions in the generation and application of new knowledge to meet the challenges of international development. For nearly 40 years, IDRC has worked in close collaboration with researchers from the developing world to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.

For further information: Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé, [phone], [email protected]