This paper presents selected conclusions related to the theoretical underpinnings of international humanitarian law, with special focus on the understanding of considerations of humanity and the dictates of public conscience (the Martens clause) and their impact on the regulation of lethal autonomous weapons systems. Despite the fact that different positions can be found in the doctrine, it is argued herein that the general principles of international humanitarian law are not sufficient to properly regulate the disruptive military technologies (new means and methods of warfare) and a new international norm is needed. Consequently, the paper agglomerates extra-legal and cross-cutting arguments stemming from other normative regimes that point to prioritization of the value of human life and the role and quality of the human factor in decision-making procedures relating to the health and life of victims of modern armed conflicts, which should be incorporated in it.

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This article reflects on the role of representatives of public trust professionals and social organizations in the face of legal and humanitarian crises. Using the example of attitudes towards the Polish Red Cross, the author is critical of the lack of knowledge and the public’s tendency towards panic in the face of difficult and time-consuming measures, especially regarding the relation between the Polish Red Cross and state authorities. In the first part, the basic principles of neutrality and independence that characterize the Red Cross movement are presented. The second, on the other hand, presents the misunderstandings that arose in public discussion after the Polish-Belarusian border crisis and the aggression of Russia and Belarus against Ukraine.