NAN-H-53
Laws
By Temitope Ponle
Abuja, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) have initiated modalities to incorporate international humanitarian and human rights laws in security operations.
Mr Peter Maurer, President of the ICRC, dropped the hint at a workshop on humanitarian laws organised by ICRC and ECOWAS in Abuja on Monday.
Maurer said that the inclusion of international humanitarian and human rights laws would enable troops to conduct their military duties within the law.
“They (troops) need to understand, not only the text and purpose of the law but also how these laws are translated into actual practices in the field.
“This knowledge will guide both commanders and troops in developing operational plans that would help them limit the damage that comes with military operations,’’ he said.
He said that the ICRC had contributed in the drafting of the standard operating procedures, rules of engagements and other necessary documents shaping the employment of ESF during armed conflicts.
“The documents drafted were tested for their applicability before being approved by the leadership of the commission.’’
Maurer also said that the cooperation between ICRC and the regional and sub-regional forces was an opportunity “to broaden the scope of our dialogue with armies across the world”.
“We hope that it will lead to a better understanding of the mandate and working modalities of the ICRC by the armed and security forces, and consequently to better security for our staff.
“I expect that the next phase of the relationship between the ICRC and ECOWAS Standby force, which has been going from strength to strength, will see an increased involvement of the ICRC,” he said.
In her address, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mrs Halima Ahmed, said it was necessary for all parties involved in peace keeping operations to have in-depth knowledge of international humanitarian and human rights laws.
According to her, such knowledge will reduce cases of human rights violations amongst peacekeepers.
Ahmed was represented at the programme by Col. Ollo Pale, head of Mission Planning and Management Cell, Department of Peacekeeping and Regional Security.
“There is the need for personnel of the ESF to be well grounded in International Human Right Law and International Humanitarian Law.
“This is so that this knowledge is further passed down to troops and other personnel involved in peace supporting operations,” she said.
The commissioner said that the workshop was an opportunity to enhance collaboration between ICRC and the ESF to further share experiences and educate personnel involved in peace operations. (NAN)
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Chukwudi Ekezie