In late September, the ICRC held a one-week advanced course in international humanitarian law, with support from the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Experts in the law from Central Asia, Britain, France, Israel, Russia and the ICRC shared their knowledge with 35 university students, teachers and government officials from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

"The aim is to raise awareness of international humanitarian law," said Yves Giovannoni, head of the ICRC’s regional delegation for Central Asia in Tashkent.

"We hope that each participant will incorporate the knowledge gained here in his or her professional activities and responsibilities." The ICRC has been working in Central Asia as an impartial, neutral and independent organization since 1992.

It strives to promote knowledge of international humanitarian law and respect for human dignity.