ICRC, NIALS collaborate on international humanitarian law

 The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Abuja, and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), have collaborated on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to deepen academic debate on the area. The three-day workshop, which began on June 19, dealt on topics such as the protection of detainees under domestic and international law, protecting […]

 The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Abuja, and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), have collaborated on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to deepen academic debate on the area.

The three-day workshop, which began on June 19, dealt on topics such as the protection of detainees under domestic and international law, protecting victims of sexual violence and access to and delivery of health care in contexts of conflict and violence. 

A release by the Communications Manager,  ICRC, Aleksandra Matijevic Mosimann, said the Head of Delegation of ICRC, Eloi Fillion, harped on the importance of decision makers’ awareness of “the law that safeguards humanitarian values in times of war and protects the sick, the wounded and those detained, in addition to civilians in general.

“Academic teaching and research play a key role in interpreting the law in light of today’s situation and ensuring that it is well known, understood and continues to serve its purposes in an ever-changing world.”

According to Mosimann, the 20-year partnership between ICRC and Nigerian universities had led to the teaching of IHL at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels in 27 institutions. 

“In 2017 alone, more than 450 lecturers and students received ICRC support for the teaching, research and study of IHL in Nigeria,” he said.