Based in Geneva, Ms. Kathleen Lawand is a senior consultant on global issues and multilateral processes for international organizations, governments and NGOs.
With 30 years international experience in leadership, legal and policy roles, including 24 years with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Kathleen’s areas of expertise include international humanitarian law and policy, disarmament and arms control, and negotiation and communication strategy. She has led multidisciplinary teams in complex multi-stakeholder initiatives.
As Head of the ICRC’s Arms Unit from 2012 to 2020, she oversaw the development and promotion of the ICRC’s legal and policy positions on weapons of humanitarian concern. She led the ICRC's representation in the negotiations of the Arms Trade Treaty and of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the meetings of the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, and the consultations on Protecting Civilians in Urban Warfare working towards a political declaration on explosive weapons in populated areas, among other diplomatic processes.
For the ICRC, in 2021-2023 she also led negotiations on the global coordination agreement of the wider International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and oversaw its implementation strategy.
Among other assignments for the ICRC, Kathleen served its operations in legal and protection roles in Afghanistan, West Africa and India.
Prior to joining the ICRC, she held legal positions at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Among other qualifications, in 1995 she received a master’s degree (LL.M.) in public international law, with distinction, from the London School of Economics.