ICRC trains security agencies on compliance to International Humanitarian Laws

ICRC trains security agencies on compliance to International Humanitarian Laws
By Talatu Maiwada
Security
Abuja, Sept. 1, 2018 (NAN) The International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC) says it has trained personnel of Nigeria security and defence agencies on compliance to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL).
Ms Eleojo Akpa, the Communication Officer, ICRC, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
Akpa said the four-day meeting was organised by the ICRC in partnership with the National Defence College.
She said the workshop brought together no fewer than 25 personnel from various security and defence agencies across Nigeria as well as civil society organisations and members of the academic community.
She explained that the workshop was aimed at strengthening participants understanding and application of laws guiding armed conflict and internal security situations, and the protection of vulnerable people during conflict times.
Mr Eloi Fillion, Head of Delegation ICRC, said that the sanctity and safety of civilians should be a priority in any security situation at all times, the statement said.
“The knowledge of fundamental human rights such as the right to life, to dignity, to freedom, to legal representation and to a fair trial is very important.
“It is also more powerful when such rights are respected and enforced in the heat of action and I hope that this meeting expounded such knowledge.
“The ICRC advocates respect for the rights of people affected by armed conflict and violence by reminding authorities and security agencies about their legal obligations under IHL and IHRL.
“Since the beginning of this year, nearly 3,000 officers of the armed forces, police and security forces had been trained on such principles with the ICRC’s support,’’ he said.
Fillion stated that protecting the lives and dignity of people affected by armed conflicts and other situations of armed violence was core of the ICRC’s neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian action.
He disclosed that ICRC also provided humanitarian assistance that offered access to healthcare, food, water and shelter for the most affected populations.
Fillion added that the organisation also visited places of detention and supports the authorities in incorporating humanitarian and human rights principles into the trainings and operations of armed and security forces. (NAN)
TIM/GOM/MST
Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Muhammad Suleiman Tola