SOLOMON Islands was recently represented at a forum aimed at promoting International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the Pacific region.
The forum was held a fortnight ago over four days in Wellington, New Zealand.
Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC) National Society Youth and Volunteer/Protection Gender Inclusion Officer Jean Uwesi attended the forum.
The forum commenced with the fourth Pacific Islands Roundtable on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) followed by the Pacific Partnership Project Forum of National Humanitarian Law Committees (NIHLC).
The Pacific Partnership Project Forum of National International Humanitarian Law Committees was hosted by Australian Red Cross, New Zealand Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross with support from the Embassies of Switzerland in Australia and New Zealand.
Ms Uwesi joined 10 representatives of other Pacific Island Red Cross National Societies and officials from their governments.
She told Solomon Star in an interview yesterday that the meeting featured an eventful four days of discussion and learning about the progress of the work of Red Cross and good practices and challenges Pacific Islands face in their domestic implementation of International Humanitarian Law.
“The Pacific Partnership Forum highlights the importance and relevance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and National International Humanitarian Law Committees (NIHLC).”
She said the panel discussions, interactive sessions and dissemination workshops helped her understand the significant advisory role NIHLC plays in supporting the government in matters pertaining to humanitarian law.
Ms Uwesi said currently Solomon Islands does not have any National International Humanitarian Law Committee (NIHLC).
Because of this, she said the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society hopes to work with the government to establish a NIHLC in the near future.
“NIHLC is crucial for the government as an advisory body making sure IHL is implemented effectively and respected,” Ms Uwesi said.
Ms Uwesi added that she looks forward to continued collaboration with her fellow Pacific Islanders in collectively bringing IHL home and contributing to a culture of respect for IHL.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
