Butuan City– Students of the Fr. Saturnino Urios University in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, imbibed lessons on international humanitarian law (IHL) through a photo exhibit, seminar, and book donation to be held in their campus next week.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) organised the three activities, starting with the launch of the “Humanity in War” photo exhibit at 2 p.m., 19 July, to orient students on IHL or the law that limits the effects of war.
“We hope that through these events, we would open the eyes of the youth so they can understand and appreciate how IHL upholds a measure of humanity amidst armed conflict. We want them to realise that IHL remains relevant in many countries, including the Philippines, where these conflicts continue to occur,” said Natacha Emerson, head of the ICRC office in Davao City.
The “Humanity in War” photo exhibit, held in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City chapter, traces the history of war and its humanitarian consequences from the American Civil War to modern-day conflicts. Beyond the sorrow and hardships, the exposition reflects the courage, hope and caring for others amidst the chaos and destruction caused by war.
The inspiring collection, which includes 40 photographs from the ICRC archives dating back to the 1860s, is open to the public and will be shown until 21 July 2010. The exhibit will move to Davao City in August in time for IHL Day.
Meanwhile, political science and law students will be briefed on IHL during a seminar on 21 July. The ICRC will talk about the organisation’s activities in the country, particularly in Mindanao, and explain the basics of IHL.
To enhance their knowledge of IHL, the ICRC will also donate an IHL library pack or a set of 50 books containing academic discussions of IHL. The IHL library is particularly useful to law students who want to specialize in IHL; and to college students planning to take up law.
The ICRC is an independent humanitarian organisation that aims to protect and assist victims of armed conflicts and other situations of violence, without discrimination. It has been working in the Philippines for 50 years now, with a permanent presence since 1982.
Promoting the IHL especially among weapon bearers is a fundamental part of the ICRC’s work. The ICRC constantly reminds parties to the conflicts of their obligations to protect those not or no longer fighting.
For further information, please contact:
Allison Lopez, ICRC Manila, Communication officer, 0908-868-6884
Richard Cubita, ICRC Davao, Communication field officer, 0920-951-6566
Richard Cubita, Communication Field Officer
International Committee of the Red Cross
4F Central Plaza 1 Bldg
J.P. Laurel Avenue,
8000, Davao City
T +6382 222 8870 F +6382 222 8694
Email: dav_davao@icrc.org
