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AT A GLANCE:
By virtue of Executive Order No. 134, s. 1999, it is declared that every 12th day of August is International Humanitarian Law Day.
Every 12th day of August, the Philippines as a Contracting Party commemorates and reaffirms its compliance with its obligation as one of the 53 countries that ratified the Geneva Conventions of 1949 which provides rules to protect combatants, sick and wounded members of the armed forces, prisoners of war, medical workers, and civilians.
What is International Humanitarian Law?
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or the law of armed conflict/law of war is a branch of public international law that concerns with the regulation of the conduct of war by limiting its effects, and mitigating the employment of violence to protect individuals who are not involved in the hostilities. With this, IHL does not only provides the limits and parameters of the means and methods of warfare that combatants may use, such as but not limited to weapons and military tactics but also the rudimentary guarantees that must be enforced to protect non-combatants, especially women and children during armed conflict. Based on customary international law, and the four (4) Geneva Conventions of 1949, the following are considered the fundamental principles of IHL:
- The distinction between civilians and combatants;
- The prohibition to attack those hors de combat (those who are not directly engaged in hostilities);
- The prohibition to inflict unnecessary suffering;
- The principle of necessity; and,
- The principle of proportionality.
IHL Day 2023
This year’s theme for International Humanitarian Law Day is “IHL: Gabay sa Makataong Pagsulong ng Kapayapan” (IHL: Guide to Humanitarian Advancement of Peace). According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, this was conceptualized to emphasize the ongoing and vital role of IHL in fostering peace and safeguarding the rights and dignity of individuals affected by armed conflict. This also sets as a reminder that in case of armed conflict, war participants must treat captives humanely, protect medical facilities and workers, and never target civilians.
Read also: United Nations Entities in the Philippines
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