B3 Miyu SUZUKI
On December 7, 2024, the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Role-Play Competition was organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at the Komaba Campus of the University of Tokyo. In this competition, participants assumed roles such as ICRC staff, diplomats, and government officials. They applied their knowledge of IHL in response to pre-shared facts and scenarios presented on the event day. In this essay, I would like to share how I prepared for the competition and my experience on the day and reflect on the lessons I learned compared to my previous participation.
Preparation for the competition began in the summer. The initial step was to carefully analyze the facts and create plausible scenarios based on the roles we could assume. These preparations required research into legal theories, political contexts, and previous cases, as well as an understanding of emerging topics such as space law and autonomous weapons, so as a team, we needed to understand the latest interpretations of IHL. Together with senior members of the Fujii Seminar, we worked on what we assumed would be a debate-style discussion. Our goal was to research and document new issues, conversations, and advice and to be able to respond to the same content scenario smoothly. In addition, we organized study sessions to deepen our understanding of ICRC itself, such as principles, humanitarian diplomacy, and ways of humanitarian assistance in specific situations. Our focus shifted to preparing for the interview-based simulations one month before the competition. For example, topics related to detention facilities required a detailed understanding of the legal distinctions between Prisoners of War (POWs) and internees. Members of the seminar acted as interviewers and provided constructive feedback. Lastly, under the guidance of Professor Fujii, we refined our communication skills, learning essential techniques for role-play and gaining the confidence to handle challenging scenarios effectively.
On the day of the competition, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of tension and excitement, similar to what I experienced last year. The competition featured three simulations. In the first simulation, teams discussed the implementation of military operations for the future, addressing topics such as cyber-attacks, autonomous weapons, space law, and fundamental principles of IHL. Participants explored humanitarian assistance and ICRC interventions in the second simulation, engaging with government military leaders and a rebel group. To complete the final simulation, it was necessary to visit a detention facility, conduct interviews, and report the findings to facility representatives. While the settings were similar to those I had prepared for, the actual simulations carried an intensity and realism that highlighted the challenges faced by ICRC staff in conflict zones.
Although the result of the competition did not meet my expectations, I believe that the experience was invaluable. I gained new insights into international law and realized the difficulty of effectively applying legal principles under pressure. I felt more confident and better prepared this time than my participation in last year’s IHL moot court competition. However, I also realized that there are areas where I need to improve my language skills, critical thinking, and adaptability in unfamiliar situations. These challenges have motivated me to continue making efforts for future competitions and further develop my abilities.
In conclusion, the IHL Role-Play Competition was a meaningful experience that enabled me to see my growth and identify areas for further improvement. I am deeply grateful to Professor Fujii, my seminar peers, and everyone who supported me. Moving forward, I would like to build on this experience as I continue to study international humanitarian law and challenge myself with new opportunities.
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