A Master Class on the Protection of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Emblems Held at UWED

On 30 October 2026, a master class entitled “Protection of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Emblems” was held at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, for fourth-year students of the Faculty of International Law as part of the International Humanitarian Law course. The event was organised by Sh. M. Khamdamova, Associate Professor of the Department of International Law and Public Law Disciplines.

The session featured Marat Sayarovich Aminov, Legal Adviser at the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Central Asia. The master class focused on the legal status of protective emblems under international humanitarian law, the rules governing their use, and the consequences of their misuse.

During the session, participants examined the importance of the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems in identifying and protecting medical personnel, medical units, and medical transports during armed conflicts. Particular attention was paid to the distinction between the protective and indicative uses of the emblems.

The discussion also addressed the provisions of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, as well as States’ obligations to ensure respect for the emblems and prevent their unlawful use. Legal issues relating to unauthorised use, imitation, and misuse of the emblems during armed conflicts were analysed.

In the practical part of the master class, students discussed how to assess the legality of using the emblems in different situations under international humanitarian law. During the question-and-answer session, participants exchanged views on safeguarding the protective emblems, preventing their misuse, and relevant measures under national legislation.

The master class helped students connect their theoretical knowledge of international humanitarian law with practical issues, develop skills in applying international legal rules to specific situations, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of respecting humanitarian protective emblems.