Our Vision
The ICMM Center of Reference for Education on IHL and Ethics is a centre for the academic analysis, open discussion and consultation in IHL related to the work of medical personnel and Military Medical Ethics in general. It is a neutral and politically and religiously independent institution which cooperates with experts around the world. It aims at being the leading provider in research and education in Medical Ethics for Times of Armed Conflict.
Our Mission
The ICMM Center of Reference for Education on IHL and Ethics is dedicated exclusively to educate military medical officers and officials in the International Humanitarian Law, Law of Armed Conflict, and Military Medical Ethics. It organizes Courses on the Law of Armed Conflict, a Course on Medical Ethics in Times of Armed Conflict, and annual Workshops on Military Medical Ethics.
It strives to offer a neutral platform for open discussions and research among philosophers, lawyers and military medical doctors on issues in military medical ethics, questions of ethical leadership, and legal questions. It aims at contributing to the common search for solutions to medico-legal and medico-ethical challenges encountered by troops deployed in conflict zones, war, and disaster relief action.
The ICMM Center of Reference for Education on IHL and Ethics closely cooperates with the Zurich based Center for Military Medical Ethics and other ethics research institutes.
Subordination
The Center of Reference reports to the Surgeon General of the Swiss Armed Forces, Major General Andreas Stettbacher, MD, and to the Secretary General of the ICMM.
An International Teaching Staff
Experienced experts in International Humanitarian Law and the Law of Armed Conflict provide the LOAC teaching. The neutrality of the teaching is guaranteed by Switzerland and the ICMM.
Future Aim: Advisory Board
The Advisory Board is a network of international philosophers, ethicists, lawyers, military and medical officers who research, analyze, discuss, and publish their opinions concerning legal and ethical military medical issues. The Advisory Board is primarily an network and think tank to contribute to possible guidelines of ethical behavior trying to find arguments for positions in issues presented to them by medical officers from deployed troops. The Advisory Board’s members collaborate from all over the world, representing different cultures, religious beliefs, etc. in order to achieve a most comprehensive representation of different thoughts and insights.