Manama:Dalal Jasim Al Zayed, Head of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee at the Shura Council and member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law, participated remotely in a committee meeting held alongside the 153rd IPU General Assembly in the United Republic of Tanzania from October 5 to 9.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Zayed proposed an event focused on exploring cyber warfare through the lens of international humanitarian law, specifically addressing the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure. The committee approved her proposal.
Al Zayed highlighted that her proposal is timely, given the rapid evolution of modern warfare and the increasing reliance on cyberspace for operations that impact civilian sectors. These developments present new legal and humanitarian challenges under international humanitarian law.
The proposal aims to evaluate the applicability of international humanitarian law to cyber operations, considering humanitarian and legal implications. It focuses on safeguarding civilians, essential services, and infrastructure and discusses accountability for cyber operations affecting civilian populations and facilities.
Al Zayed emphasized the need for legislative and parliamentary oversight in adapting to these changes, promoting legal protections, and encouraging dialogue among parliamentarians, international bodies, and experts in technology and cybersecurity.
The proposed event will address four key areas: cyber warfare under international humanitarian law, protection of civilians and infrastructure, responsibility and accountability, and parliamentary and international collaboration. It will pay special attention to sectors like healthcare, energy, water, telecommunications, and digital services.
The proposal seeks to generate actionable parliamentary recommendations for 2026-2027, aligning with the IPU Strategy 2027-2031. Al Zayed suggested that cyber warfare could become a focus area for the committee, reflecting ongoing technological advancements and changes in the nature of armed conflicts.
During the meeting, the committee also reviewed follow-up matters from its 47th session, discussed commitments to international humanitarian law, and received updates on global humanitarian law and refugee protection issues. Additionally, a briefing was provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross on environmental protection during armed conflict. The committee deliberated on its future work plan, the new IPU Strategy 2027-2031, and elected a new chairperson.