The training seminar for magistrates on international humanitarian law, organized in Bunia by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), brought together around thirty civil and military magistrates this week. This four-day seminar aims to strengthen the skills of legal practitioners in respecting and applying international humanitarian law (IHL).
This initiative led by the ICRC is of vital importance in a context where armed conflicts continue to rage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Magistrates, as guardians of the law, play a crucial role in the protection of civilian populations and the repression of violations of IHL perpetrated by government armed forces or armed groups.
Frédéric Michel Sostheim, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Bunia, underlined the importance of this seminar by reminding magistrates of their responsibility in the implementation of international treaties and IHL in the DRC. He also underlined the importance for magistrates to ensure respect for IHL in a context where civilian populations are frequently targeted during armed conflicts.
The military governor of Ituri, Lieutenant General Johnny Luboya Kashama, stressed the authorities’ commitment to establishing the rule of law in a region marked by decades of armed conflict. He underlined the importance for magistrates to adopt a firm approach to violations of IHL, in order to guarantee justice and the protection of populations affected by conflicts.
This training, provided by ICRC experts and other IHL specialists, offers judges the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their skills in the complex area of international humanitarian law. It constitutes an important step towards the consolidation of the rule of law and the protection of the fundamental rights of populations in conflict situations.
In short, this training seminar for magistrates on international humanitarian law in Bunia demonstrates the commitment of the authorities and international organizations to promote respect for IHL and to strengthen the capacities of judicial actors in the protection of civilian populations affected by armed conflicts.