English
العربية
Français
Deutsch
Español
русский
हिंदी
اردو
LoginChairman of NCIHL: International Humanitarian Law Day Reflects Values Rooted in Civilizations and Legal Systems
Doha, May 09 (QNA) - HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law (NCIHL), Saeed bin Abdullah Al Suwaidi, affirmed that the annual observance of International Humanitarian Law Day on May 9 reflects a humanitarian and legal vision aimed at highlighting the civilizational foundations of international humanitarian law and underscoring that the protection of human beings during armed conflicts is a deeply rooted value recognized by civilizations and legal systems for centuries.
In press statements on Saturday, His Excellency said the idea of marking this day originated with NCIHL in the State of Qatar following a comparative historical and legal study examining humanitarian models in ancient civilizations and monotheistic religions. The study concluded that the instructions of Caliph Abu Bakr Al Siddiq to the army of Usama bin Zaid represent one of the historical texts closest, in content and principles, to the provisions and principles of modern international humanitarian law.
He explained that the Qatar Red Crescent Society, in coordination with NCIHL, adopted the initiative and presented it during the 42nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Kuwait in 2015, where May 9 was adopted as International Humanitarian Law Day through a resolution based on a recommendation from the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent.
His Excellency noted that the selection of this date is not religious in nature, but rather grounded in its humanitarian and legal dimensions, as it reflects a historically advanced model embodying the principles on which modern international humanitarian law is based. He pointed out that the charter includes advanced humanitarian rules consistent with contemporary principles of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, the prohibition of mutilation of bodies, the protection of places of worship, and safeguarding the environment and resources essential for civilian survival during armed conflicts.
He affirmed that the State of Qatar continues to play a leading role in supporting and promoting international humanitarian law and disseminating its principles. He added that the Committee will work to propose an initiative to designate May 9 as International Humanitarian Law Day across the Arab world through the Arab Permanent Committee for International Humanitarian Law of the League of Arab States.
He further noted that the initiative will be presented, in cooperation with Arab, Islamic, and friendly committees concerned with international humanitarian law, during the Sixth Global Meeting of National Committees and Similar Bodies on International Humanitarian Law, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the aim of adopting the day globally and raising awareness of shared humanitarian values underpinning the law.
His Excellency said Arab and Islamic committees for international humanitarian law mark the occasion annually through seminars, workshops, and awareness programmes, stressing the commitment of Qatar’s National Committee to continue organizing scholarly and awareness-raising events that promote a culture of respect for international humanitarian law and reinforce the values of human dignity in all circumstances.
Chairman of NCIHL stressed that respect for human dignity is a legal and moral obligation, calling for greater awareness of international humanitarian law across all sectors of society and for embedding its principles in daily practice, both in peacetime and during armed conflict. (QNA)
chat
Hello! How can we help?
Beta
