Indonesia/East Timor: Training in humanitarian law

The ICRC held a series of workshops on international humanitarian law from 1 to 9 December for 200 senior Indonesian armed forces officers stationed in East Timor. The focus was on the proportionate use of force and the obligation of all those engaged in armed conflict to abide by the principles of the law. The participants also heard talks on the ICRC's mandate and the role played by the organization in East Timor.

The ICRC has been present since 1974 in East Timor, where its work consists mainly of efforts to ensure that the civilian population is spared the effects of the conflict. It also monitors conditions of detention and seeks to restore contact between members of families separated by the fighting. In conjunction with the Indonesian Red Cross Society, the ICRC is also carrying out a public health programme to provide remote villages with safe water.