Doris Doueihy, head of delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), says the ICRC is committed to strengthening the understanding and application of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Represented by Yannick Buchli, deputy head of operations, Ms Doueihy spoke during an ICRC-IHL workshop with the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice on Monday in Abuja.

She said the workshop was not only about building technical expertise, but also about equipping the court to navigate the complex intersection of IHL and human rights law.

Ms Doueihy added that the training was essential to help the court examine cases with clarity and ensured accountability for violations of humanitarian and human rights law.

She emphasised that the workshop aimed to reinforce public trust in the justice system to protect the vulnerable, even during conflict.

“We meet at a time when the humanitarian and security landscape in West Africa is deeply challenged by armed conflicts and their devastating impact on civilians.

“In such a context, the judiciary is indispensable. Your judgments bring to life the rules that protect human dignity, even in war,” she noted.

She said the workshop would deepen judges’ understanding of key aspects of IHL and equip them with practical insights to handle relevant cases effectively.

“The agenda includes issues such as the applicability of IHL, detention, criminal repression, and the fate of the missing, all crucial to the court’s mandate.”

In his opening remarks, Justice Ricardo Goncalves, represented by Justice Sengu Koroma, vice president of the court, emphasised the need to build on past progress.

He said armed conflicts, terrorism, and violence continued to threaten peace, stability, and human dignity in the region.

“The ECOWAS Court has always been at the forefront of defending rights and upholding the rule of law in our community,” he stated.

He added that the knowledge gained from the workshop would directly enhance how the court promoted and applied IHL in its judicial work.

(NAN)