Initiative for compliance with Int. Humanitarian Law
Red Cross, ICRC launch project to strengthen humanitarian diplomacy
LINEO MALATALIANA
MASERU – The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has launched a one-year International Humanitarian Law (IHL) project to support the Local International Humanitarian Committee and advance humanitarian diplomacy.
Also known as the law of armed conflict or law of war, the IHL is a set of rules designed to limit the effects of warfare. According to the ICRC, it “protects persons who are no longer participating in hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare.”
A major part of IHL is enshrined in the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which set global standards for humane treatment during conflicts.
A four-day training session, running from June 9 to 12 in Thaba-Bosiu, has brought together participants from the Ministry of Defence (Chair), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and Law, the Ministry of Local Government and Police, the LRCS and the National University of Lesotho.
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Principal Secretary ‘Mabataung Khalane, emphasized Lesotho’s dedication to IHL, stating: “The Government of Lesotho understands that IHL applies only in armed conflict, offering two systems of protection – one for international conflicts and another for non-international conflicts. It strikes a balance between humanity and military necessity.”
Khalane highlighted key IHL principles that focus on distinction, protection and compliance. Parties in conflict must differentiate between civilians and combatants, civilian populations and property must be spared – Lesotho recognizes the binding nature of these IHL instruments and customary law.
The project, she said, underscores Lesotho’s commitment to strengthening legal frameworks for conflict mitigation, enhancing humanitarian diplomacy through cross-sector collaboration and promoting accountability in warfare to protect vulnerable populations.
With this initiative, Lesotho joins global efforts to uphold the Geneva Conventions and ensure humane conduct even in times of war.
Khalane’s remarks unfolded customary law as formed when “state practice is sufficiently dense – widespread, representative, frequent and uniform – and accompanied by a belief among states that they are legally bound to act – or prohibited from acting – in certain ways.”
Lesotho is party to international treaties such as the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. As of November, 2013, 195 states were entities of the Geneva Conventions, the fact that the Conventions are universally ratified added to their importance.
Moreover, in March 2014, 173 states were participants to Additional Protocol I, 167 to Additional Protocol II and 66 to Additional Protocol III – and Lesotho is included.
The Regional Legal Advisor of the Pretoria Delegation of the ICRC, Sarah Mabeza, stated that ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent entity that is able to reach those in need when others cannot.
Additionally, in her remarks Mabeza said this is done through providing humanitarian assistance, protecting lives, upholding rights and relieving the suffering of people around the world whose lives have been torn apart by armed conflict and violence.
Mabeza pointed out that the ICRC is operational in 90 countries across the globe. Over 90 percent of the donations received by the Committee go directly to the field. The legal advisor said that ICRC is the oldest organisation in the world with a lifespan of 160 years.
“Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality: these are fundamental principles that guide and define not only our work, but also the work of National Red Cross Societies worldwide, including the LRCS,” Mabeza stated.
She further stressed that the ICRC operate in accordance to the principles of the IHL which is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols, the Statutes of the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the resolutions of the international Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
“We take action to assist the victims of armed conflict and other violence, and at the same time promote respect for the IHL and implementation in domestic law,” Mabeza said.
