Giving the richness and variety of the theme 'vulnerabilities in armed conflicts', it would be illusionary to pretend that we will be able to discuss exhaustively the issue in two days. On most occasions, however, the problems do not lie in the law but rather in the lack of respect for the law.' Sometimes, IHL would need to be further strengthened or clarified in order to ensure an adequate protection to the most vulnerable in armed conflict situations. We call on members of the International Conference to continue working tirelessly on the implementation of the Action Plan. All members of the International Conference were also invited to submit pledges in relation to the recommendations contained in the Action Plan. The objectives of this Action Plan included notably those of enhancing the specific protection afforded to certain categories of persons, in particular children, women and persons with disabilities and of enhancing access by civilian populations to humanitarian assistance in armed conflicts. The selection of this theme has also been guided by the Four-year Action Plan for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) which has been adopted in 2011 by the 31st International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which brings together all the components of the Movement and the States Parties to the Geneva Conventions. The ICRC's mandate expanded then quickly to conduct humanitarian action in favour of all victims of armed conflicts, but the notion of vulnerability definitely remained at the core of our action. In 1863, the 'International Committee for Relief to the Wounded' – which later became known as the ICRC – was created in order to assist precisely a particular vulnerable group: the wounded and sick combatants. The issue of vulnerabilities in armed conflicts was seen as particularly appropriate to discuss this year, which corresponds to the 150th anniversary of the International Committee of the Red Cross. the protection and assistance of the most vulnerable in armed conflict situations. Our theme this year – Vulnerabilities in Armed Conflicts – is particularly far-reaching and touches on some issues which are at the core of ICRC's mandate, i.e. It is a great pleasure to be here with you at this 14th session of the Bruges Colloquium and to have the privilege of making a few introductory remarks on the topic of discussion over the next two days. Recruitment and other association of children with armed forces or armed groups

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