Oman hosts International Humanitarian Law symposium
The Oman Committee for International Humanitarian Law has organised a symposium in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The conference called “International Humanitarian Law: Reality and Aspirations” is taking place at the Diplomatic Club in Muscat over the next two days.
In his opening speech, Ambassador Sheikh Humaid Almaani, Head of the Foreign Ministry's Department for Global Affairs and Chairman of the Oman Committee for International Humanitarian Law, said the symposium was among a series of initiatives to spread awareness about the issues.
The Ambassador said: “The symposium aims to achieve our common goals in humanitarian work, furthering knowledge of the concept of international humanitarian law and the challenges of its implementation, the classification of armed conflicts and discussions about the relationship between international humanitarian law and humanitarian work.
“The ethics of war are not something new to our Arab and Islamic society. We were the first to follow them through the commandments of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, by respecting prisoners and not attacking the elderly, women and children, in addition to respecting trees, animals and other groups.
“International humanitarian law does not deviate from the scope of the commandments of Islamic law. On the contrary, the existence of and adherence to those laws is vital at a time in which methods of war have developed.”
The Ambassador stressed that the Oman Committee for International Humanitarian Law strongly denounces the repeated violations committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip which are a flagrant contradiction of the principles of international human law.
He pointed out that Gaza has witnessed devastating military attacks by the Israeli army resulting in the killing and wounding of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians, including women and children, plus the destruction of homes and vital infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.
He said Palestinians in Gaza are subjected to a siege imposed by the Israeli occupation forces making it difficult for them to obtain food, medicine and basic services which violates human rights and increases suffering to an unbearable extent.
He said these violations are a flagrant breach of the principles of international humanitarian law to which all parties to armed conflicts are committed and the Oman Committee for International Humanitarian Law urges the international community to take immediate action to stop these violations and ensure justice for their victims.
Oman established the Committee for International Humanitarian Law in 2017 with the goal of spreading awareness of its objectives by exchanging experiences with relevant organisations to enhance cooperation and ensure proper implementation.
Sheikh Almaani said the Committee continues to raise awareness of international humanitarian law by aligning it with national legislation.
Abdullah Mohammed Saeed, head of the ICRC delegation in Muscat, said he appreciated Oman's repeated calls to all parties to respect the provisions of international humanitarian law in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, its efforts to deliver aid to those affected and its support for organisations working in the field, including the ICRC.
He stressed that the symposium aims to discuss the best ways to provide maximum protection for victims of armed conflicts and their property.
He said: “We all share responsibility in implementing international humanitarian law, each according to the role assigned, whether states, the International Committee of the Red Cross, national committees for humanitarian law, international organisations or the international community.”
The symposium will address the most important challenges facing international humanitarian law including the principles of the use of force, the classification of armed conflict and the role of the international judiciary. It is being attended by a number of government agencies and institutions.
The symposium coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of international humanitarian law in contemporary conflicts and the need to work towards better compliance.
The 1949 Conventions are the most ratified agreements around the world – 196 states are party to the international instruments which contain a set of obligations aimed at alleviating the suffering of civilians and victims of armed conflicts and reflect universal values of ethical behaviour.
Oman’s commitment to the Conventions is reflected by the establishment of the Oman Committee for International Humanitarian Law and the seminars and courses it organises, and by the Sultanate's repeated calls for the reduction of human suffering.
This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.