The Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS), in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), successfully organized a comprehensive two-day training program on “International Humanitarian Law” at its headquarters. The event witnessed active participation from esteemed members of the Bahrain National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, including representatives from the government and civil society.
The first day of the training program encompassed various focal points, such as providing an in-depth understanding of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, its fundamental concepts, roles, and operational mechanisms. Additionally, participants were introduced to the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, laying the groundwork for their engagement with this crucial field.
The second day focused on delving into the principles governing the use of force during armed conflicts according to international humanitarian law. The training covered essential topics, including the identification of protected categories and objects under this legal framework, as well as mechanisms for ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law conventions.
A distinguished group of experts, boasting extensive expertise and practical experience at both international and regional levels, delivered lectures as part of the program. Their primary objective was to bolster the participants’ knowledge and skills, providing them with insights into the latest advancements and applications within the field of international humanitarian law. The program fostered valuable exchanges of experiences and supported capacity building efforts at the regional level.
In light of this occasion, Mr. Mubarak Al-Hadi, Secretary-General of the Bahrain Red Crescent Society, emphasized the organization’s dedication to actively fulfilling its role in spreading the culture of international humanitarian law. He underscored the Society’s commitment to promoting this critical legal framework and developing policies, strategies, and plans aligned with it. As an engaged member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Bahrain Red Crescent Society remains steadfast in its pursuit of these objectives.
Professor Al-Hadi highlighted that this role represents an extension of the Bahrain Red Crescent’s ongoing efforts to disseminate international humanitarian law, which commenced in 1995 with the establishment of the Coordinating Committee for the Dissemination of International Humanitarian Law. Since then, the Society has consistently organized and participated in numerous seminars and courses conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Moreover, it has actively worked towards enhancing the capabilities of volunteers, members of the local community, and raising their awareness regarding the principles of international humanitarian law.
In addition, Lawyer Ms. Zakia Bukamal, a member of the Red Crescent Society, expressed gratitude for the valuable contributions made by program attendees and Bahrain Red Crescent employees. Their active participation enriched the discussions held over the course of two days, covering various themes, including developments in the application of the human rights system and international humanitarian law at local and global levels, challenges faced in the national implementation of international humanitarian law, and the unique aspects of its application within Bahrain.
Ms. Bukamal further highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Bahrain Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross, emphasizing their joint efforts to disseminate knowledge and stay abreast of all developments within the realm of international humanitarian law.