Monrovia (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has donated 480 copies of a new training manual on the law of armed conflict (LoAC), also known as international humanitarian law (IHL), to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). The manual, developed by the Liberian army with support from the ICRC, provides guidelines and sets out the responsibilities of military personnel under this branch of the law during military operations.
"In its capacity of guardian of IHL as prescribed in the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC regularly supports the AFL's efforts to incorporate IHL into orders, rules of engagement, standard operating procedures, other relevant documents and training. The ICRC is confident that this donation will further boost the capacity of the AFL in this regard, in line with its international obligations," said Julien Lerisson, head of the ICRC delegation in Liberia.
International humanitarian law protects people who are not participating in hostilities and restricts means and methods of warfare.
"The Armed Forces of Liberia as a "force for good" will ensure that every member of the AFL operates in strict compliance with the IHL manual," announced Brigadier General Daniel D. Zainkahn Jr, AFL Chief of Staff.
Under its mandate, the ICRC seeks to increase knowledge of IHL and humanitarian principles among national authorities, armed forces, other weapon bearers, civil society and the media. In Liberia, the ICRC works with the Liberia International Humanitarian Law Committee to promote, ratify and implement relevant IHL instruments.
The ICRC has been working with the AFL since 2006 on spreading knowledge of IHL and developing the capacity of personnel who are now serving as IHL trainers within the army.
For further information, please contact:
Varney Bawn, ICRC Monrovia, tel: +231 777 556 533
Captain Stephen T. Tarplah, AFL, tel: +231 777 748 639
