Muscat: On Monday, the Omani Committee for International Humanitarian Law organized a symposium titled "International Humanitarian Law: The Reality and the Aspirations". The symposium, held at the Diplomatic Club in cooperation with the Mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Muscat, aims to achieve common goals in humanitarian action. It seeks to spread knowledge about international humanitarian law, address the challenges of its implementation, and discuss the classification of armed conflicts.
Sheikh Humaid Ali Al Maani, Head of the Global Affairs Department at the Foreign Ministry and Chairman of the Omani Committee for International Humanitarian Law, emphasized the importance of the symposium in promoting understanding of international humanitarian law and its relationship with humanitarian action and initiatives.
Abdullah Mohammed Said, Head of the Mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Muscat, commended Oman's repeated calls for all warring parties to respect the provisions of international humanitarian law, particularly in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He also expressed appreciation for Oman's efforts in delivering relief aid to the affected population in Gaza and its support for organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The official emphasized that the symposium highlights the most effective methods for ensuring maximum protection for victims of armed conflicts and their assets.
He clarified, "The most appropriate course of action in this situation is to adhere to international humanitarian law and implement it with utmost efficiency."
The symposium focuses on the principles of the use of force and the mechanisms for implementing international humanitarian law, including international jurisdictions, among other important topics. It is attended by representatives from government institutions responsible for upholding international humanitarian law.
The symposium coincides with the 75th anniversary of the 1949 four Geneva Conventions and emphasizes the significance of achieving better implementation and compliance with international humanitarian law.
These aforementioned Geneva Conventions are the most widely ratified global agreements.
A total of 196 countries are party to these international statutes, making them concrete global commitments that aim to alleviate the suffering of civilians and other victims of armed conflicts.
Oman's endorsement of the four Geneva Conventions demonstrates its dedication to international humanitarian law.
This commitment has led to the establishment of the Omani Committee for International Humanitarian Law and the country's consistent advocacy for minimizing human suffering and upholding international humanitarian law.
