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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Uphold humanity in conflict: Philippine Red Cross joins 2024 IHL Day celebration

Uphold humanity in conflict: Philippine Red Cross joins 2024 IHL Day celebration

Published Aug 12, 2024 09:07 am

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gordon underscored the importance of “upholding humanity in conflict” during the observance of International Humanitarian Law Day (IHL) on Monday, Aug. 12.

Photo IHL Day 08-12-24.jpg
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon, and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo view photos showcasing achievements in the dissemination and enforcement of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) at an exhibit in Tejeros Hall, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on August 12, 2024. (Courtesy of Philippine Red Cross)

“The IHL is meant to protect people—their lives and their rights—no matter the place, the time, their beliefs, or their governments,” Gordon said as he joined the nation in observing this year’s IHL. “Everyone has the right to live and live safely away from harm,” he added.

Recognizing the importance of IHL, Gordon reiterated the PRC’s commitment to “live by” its principles. “We strive to uphold dignity and alleviate human suffering at all costs,” he said.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Gordon highlighted the importance of stakeholders' adherence to the Geneva Conventions, noting that war and armed conflict continue to cause harm to many people around the world.

IHL Day is annually observed on August 12, as per Executive Order No. 134, signed by former President Joseph Estrada in 1999.

With the theme “Kamalayan, Kaliga, Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran: Kalakasan ng IHL sa Bagong Pilipinas,” this year’s IHL Day celebration was held at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Hosted by the Department of National Defense (DND), a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to open a photo exhibit showcasing the country's accomplishments concerning IHL.

Gordon joined officials from various member institutions of the National IHL Ad Hoc Committee, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Among those present were DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr.; AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr.; ICRC Head of Delegation Johannes Bruwer; CHR Chairperson Atty. Richard Palpal-Latoc; Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin; DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo; Abunawas Maslamama, the senior minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM); and Balay Rehabilitation Center Executive Director Josephine Lascano.

Since 1952, the Philippines has been a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention (known as IHL, the Law of Armed Conflict, or the Law of War).

To enhance the enforcement of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the country, Gordon authored Republic Act No. 9851, also known as the "Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity," which was signed into law on December 11, 2009.

This month, various PRC chapters will conduct activities to promote International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to the public and key stakeholders.

These include dissemination sessions for law enforcement personnel in Northern Samar and community leaders in Basilan, training programs for IHL disseminators in Davao City and Zamboanga City, and online IHL sessions for police personnel in Legazpi City.

To educate the youth on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the PRC will hold an inter-school essay writing and quiz bee competition focused on IHL in Iligan City.

Meanwhile, Naga City and Iloilo City will host debate competitions and dissemination sessions.

Related Tags

Philippine Red Cross IHL Day Richard Gordon PRC
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