Nepal: experts deepen their knowledge of humanitarian law

20-04-2011 News Release 11/94

Kathmandu (ICRC) – Experts from nine countries have gathered in Kathmandu to participate in an eight-day training course on international humanitarian law jointly organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Kathmandu School of Law (KSL) from 20 to 27 April 2011.

"International Humanitarian Law (IHL) constitutes the basis for ICRC's mandate and action to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and internal violence. An important part of our international mandate is therefore to promote a better knowledge and the faithful implementation of IHL," said Patrick Vial, Head of the ICRC delegation in Nepal, as he welcomed the participants. "We consider this 18th Teaching Session as a step in this direction as we are graced by the presence of distinguished representatives from South Asian countries, and from Iran and Myanmar," he added.

International humanitarian law, a set of legal provisions applicable in times of armed conflict, protects civilians, wounded combatants, prisoners of war and others who are not, or who are no longer, participating in hostilities. International humanitarian law also sets limits on the means and methods of warfare in an attempt to reduce suffering.

The eight-day training course, entitled "South Asia Teaching Session on International Humanitarian Law," was inaugurated by Attorney General Yubaraj Sangroula. Most of the 39 participants are government officials from member States of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) together with Iran and Myanmar.

This is the second time that the South Asia Teaching Session is being held in Nepal. Such courses are an integral part of the ICRC's effort to spread knowledge of and respect for international humanitarian law in South Asian countries, some of which are still facing situations of armed conflict and other forms of violence.

For further information, please contact:
Robin Waudo, ICRC Kathmandu, tel: +977 1 4107285 or +977 98510 34638
Monica Upadhyay, ICRC Kathmandu, tel: +977 1 4107285 or +977 97510 07585