CHR joins observance of International Humanitarian Law month
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has joined the world in observing the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) month this August with the theme, "Preserving Human Dignity in Times of Armed Conflict: A Shared Human Responsibility."
In the country, IHL is protected under R.A. 9851 or An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide And Other Crimes Against Humanity, Organizing Jurisdiction, Designating Special Courts, and For Related Purposes.
"This is the law that rival groups must follow to limit the impact of the war," the CHR said in a tweet.
The CHR said that the IHL is important because it protects human rights and dignity of individuals and communities involved in war and other armed conflict - particularly the wounded, the sick, the imprisoned, and innocent civilians.
The IHL protects and respects the homes and posessions of innocent civilians during times of war and armed conflict. It also protects the "hors de combat," or those soldiers who were injured, got sick, were caught or surrendered.
The law likewise covers the protection of medical personnel, members of the media, and humanitarian workers.
"Layunin ng IHL na magbigay daan upang tuldukan ang mga karahasang ito at tuluyan tumungo sa paghilom at pagbibigay ng tunay na katarungan para sa mga biktima (IHL aims to pave the way for an end to these acts of violence and ultimately lead to healing and providing real justice for the victims)," the Commission added.