By:Modou Touray
The International Committee of the Red Cross – Africa and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights on 7- 8th July, 2025 held their first specialized training on International humanitarian law for ACHPR Legal and Secretariat Staff at the African Princess Hotel in Banjul , The Gambia.
The maiden training is aimed at strengthening the protection framework through positive complementary between International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law , as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and other relevant instruments.
This pilot workshop is also part of a longer- term objective to consider the organisation of regular sessions on IHL for ACHPR purists and to make the link the ICRC’s Global Initiative on IHL which aims by 2026 to revitalize States’ political commitment to IHL.
In his closing statement, Mr Jean- Nicolas Marti, Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation in Dakar expressed optimism that the two day training will constitute unquestionable progress in the protection of people plagued by armed conflicts on our continent as a result of the interesting discussion of people detained and people affected by hostilities among other things.
” Ten years ago, in 2015, we took a decisive step forward with the signing of our Memorandum of Understanding.This document was just another Legal text ;it was the formal expression of a reiterated shared commitment.Today in 2025, we are not only celebrating 10 years of this anniversary, but we are giving it an even more concrete meaning through this activity.”
Mr Jean- Nicolas Marti pointed out that African faces complex humanitarian challenges that call for emergency response stressing that Armed conflicts on the continent involve multiple actors,using new techniques and crossing borders.In the face of these realities.
” In the face of these realities, International Humanitarian Law cannot be seen as a body of remote rules, drawn up elsewhere for others,or disconnected from the realities and specifities on the ground.It is and must remain a living instrument, adapted and mastered by those who are on the front line, including in the protection of human rights.We are counting on your support to help the ICRC mobilize African States.The prospect of greater respect for IHL is not utopian; it is within our grasp,relevant and pragmatic enough to meet the challenges of the African continent” He said
Also speaking at the closing ceremony was the Deputy Executive secretary of ACHPR Mr Yassine Driane who made similar sentiments while highlighting the crucial partnership between ICRC and ACHPR and the significance of the training.
Meanwhile, the question and answer session by the press was interactive as ICRC and ACHPR justified the significance of the training.
It could be recalled that the relations between the ICRC and the ACHPR stated since 1992 when the ICRC stating enjoying observer status.
