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DFA Spearheads Series of Activities in Celebration of the International Humanitarian Law Day

 

16 August Manila – Following up on the launch of the Photo and Video Exhibit on the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day 2017 last Monday, The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), as the Head of the Ad Hoc Committee tasked with the implementation of the activities in line with the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day, leads the celebration with the following series of events:

  • On 18 August 2017, the DFA will hold a Mabini Dialogue for DFA personnel at the Carlos P. Romulo Library at 10-12nn, with the objective of impressing upon the DFA officers and staff the importance of IHL to the society. It also aims to enhance their knowledge on the increasing complexity of armed conflict and growing number of non-State armed groups both at the global and national levels and how these have posed enormous security threats to the lives of many people.
  • Civil Society Organization (CSO) – Philippine National Police (PNP) Forum,” with the theme “Mamamayan at Pamahalaan, Kapit-Bisig sa Pagsulong ng Karapatan ng mga Kabataan,” on 24 August 2017 to be conducted by the PNP in partnership with Hans Seidel Foundation in Cagayan de Oro City. The forum is a multi-sectoral, inter-disciplinary, and community-based activity which aims to provide a venue for constructive and inclusive dialogue between and among the government, NGOs, civil society, and the community-at-large to discuss effective, human rights-based programs to discuss IHL-related and human rights concerns;
  • Airing of IHL radio and video messages by the ICRC;
  • Photo exhibit on the importance of upholding IHL principles by the AFP;
  • Peoples Peace Conversations on “Challenges Faced, Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Ensuring Compliance to IHL and Civilian Protection in Situations of Armed Conflict,” on 18 August 2017 to be organized by OPAPP. The Conversation aims to contribute to enhancements in humanitarian assistance processes to help reduce human suffering in conflict situations;
  • Seminar-Workshop on IHL and Symposium on Internally-Displaced Persons on 07 August 2017 by DepEd to assist the Department’s personnel in understanding the rights of persons in the context of IHL during times of peace and war; and
  • Legislative Briefing on the rights of IDPs and a Roundtable Discussion on IHL Cases to be conducted by Balay Rehabilitation Center and the Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (PCICC) in September 2017. These aim to raise awareness on preventive and protective mechanisms against violations of the rights of IDPs.

Philippine Red Cross also spearheaded “Run for Humanity” on 12 August 2017 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City to promote awareness of IHL through healthy lifestyle.

IHL is part of the body of international law that governs the conduct of war. It aims to limit the effects of armed conflicts on the people who are not part of the hostilities.

The commemoration of the International Humanitarian Law Day (IHL) is made possible through Executive Order (EO) No. 134, which mandates the DFA and DND to alternately chair the IHL Ad Hoc Committee for the IHL celebration. END