The Malawi Defence Force has expressed the need for people in the country to familiarize themselves with the development and implementation of the International Humanitarian Law.
Commandant for the National Defence College-Malawi (NDC-MW) Brigadier General Dan Kuwali made the call in Lilongwe at a training on International Humanitarian Law for the military, the police, officers from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), civil society and other relevant personnel.
Kuwali said the challenge of International Humanitarian Law is that its relevance is seen in armed conflicts but the training must be done during peace.
“We want these people to better understand the international rules, principles, and instruments applicable in armed conflict. It is designed and delivered to prepare personnel at both operational and tactical levels to understand the applicability and implementation of IHL as provided for in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols of 1977 and 2005,” he said.
On her part Sarah Mabeza Regional Legal Advisor of the International Committee of Red Cross said the training has provided an opportunity for Malawi to discuss its role in development and implementation of International Humanitarian Law.