International humanitarian law handbook turned over to BARMM Parliament

COTABATO CITY (July 5, 2024) — A handbook on international humanitarian law (IHL), or the rules of war, was presented by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in a ceremonial handover during the third regular session of parliament on 28 June.
 
ICRC said that the handbook provides an overview of the relevant IHL and humanitarian legal frameworks relevant to BARMM. It would serve as a key resource for members of parliament who wish to examine humanitarian issues and implement the applicable legal frameworks. It is a product of the collaboration between the BTA’s Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS) and ICRC, a humanitarian organization that seeks to protect and assist people affected by armed conflicts.

“To aid in their precarious situation and with the spirit of determination to support the Bangsamoro government, the ICRC has collaborated with the Office of Parliament Speaker through the PRLS to assist in developing a handbook that will guide the members of the Bangsamoro parliament to craft legislation in reference to the principles and rules of IHL. The humanitarian handbook will serve as the beacon of hope to cement everlasting peace and harmony in the region,” said Dr. Nassef Adiong, director of PRLS.  
 
The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent organization with an exclusively humanitarian mandate that stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It helps people around the world affected by armed conflict and other violence, doing everything it can to protect their lives and dignity and to relieve their suffering, often alongside its Red Cross and Red Crescent partners. (PR, BMN/BangsamoroToday)