By Obidi Miriam Chinasa
The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, in conjunction with the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, advocated for Stronger Humanitarian Law Action to Safeguard West Africa countries.
The event brought together key stakeholders from member states to assess the progress of International Humanitarian Law, IHL, implementation across West Africa.
In her opening address, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Social Affairs and Gender, underscored the region’s dedication to ensuring IHL compliance, which is pivotal for protecting human rights, promoting peace, and maintaining security in a region fraught with armed conflicts, insurgencies, and terrorism.
Prof Sarr noted, “Promoting compliance with international humanitarian law is an essential part of advancing peace and security,” she said, citing the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework. She also highlighted the significance of 2024, marking the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, as an opportunity to reflect on IHL’s role in preventing violence and ensuring human dignity.
Also, Nigeria’s Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to IHL.
She pointed out several national policies, including the adoption of the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the re-enactment of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs Act in 2022.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria have embedded IHL into their training modules to ensure personnel are well-prepared to respect the rules of engagement in conflict situations,” she said, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and upholding human rights during conflicts.
Representatives from ECOWAS and ICRC used the platform to reflect on progress under the ECOWAS IHL Plan of Action. This plan, developed in 2018 and extended until 2026, focuses on critical issues such as counter-terrorism, protection of children, migrants, IDPs, and the eradication of sexual violence in armed conflict.
Rafiullah Qureshi, Deputy Head of Delegation at ICRC, emphasized the challenges facing the region and the need for deeper collaboration between governments and humanitarian organizations to ensure the effective domestication and implementation of IHL treaties.
“From government officials to soldiers, everyone must understand and apply the principles of international humanitarian law,” Qureshi stated, adding that this understanding is vital to safeguarding human rights in conflict situations.
“The meeting also served as a platform for member states to exchange best practices and identify gaps in IHL implementation. Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at ECOWAS, acknowledged the crucial role of capacity building and knowledge exchange in strengthening regional cooperation and protecting vulnerable populations”.
As the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent approaches in October 2024, the ARM reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to collaborating with ICRC to tackle ongoing challenges and uphold the human security vision for the region.
