Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Ministry of International Cooperation and Development (MICAD) held a workshop about international humanitarian law in Abu Dhabi The event was addressed to stakeholders in the field of humanitarian work in the UAE.
The ministry noted that the organisation of the workshop stems from an awareness of the importance of international humanitarian law, given the situations caused by armed conflicts in various areas, which requires that all groups concerned have knowledge of the general rules of this branch of international law, as well as the cases that resulted in the adoption of the provisions of this law. The ministry added that such a workshop would benefit specialists and non-specialists, as well as beneficiaries in the humanitarian field.
Through this workshop, the ministry aims to raise awareness about international humanitarian law and its fundamental objectives of protecting people affected by armed conflict, as well as to encourage participants to research and learn about humanitarian law and its provisions.
HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development and, said that the UAE’s leading position in terms of official development assistance worldwide now requires further cooperation to enhance performance and maintain the advance status UAE has reached in this field.
Sheikha Lubna pointed out that this workshop aims to raise awareness about this important law, and inform workers in the humanitarian field about the main features of international humanitarian law, and the scope and means of implementation.
Sheikha Lubna explained that the ministry realises the importance of mobilizing joint efforts between MICAD, donors, and strategic partners to ensure that the country continues to provide humanitarian and developmental support according to the highest international standards.
Her Excellency said that holding these courses is consistent with the ministry’s mission of achieving development at a global level in line with the UAE leadership’s guidance.
The workshop helped introduce participants to principles of international humanitarian law, its relationship to Islamic law and human rights, and the scope and means of its implementation. It also shed light on the leading role of the Emirates Red Crescent and the Red Cross (ICRC) in this context.
HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi thanked the Emirates Red Crescent for its effective role in rendering the workshop a success, and its commitment to achieving the desired goals.
The workshop saw the participation of 15 donors at the state level, including shelters for women and children, the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation, HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian and Scientific Foundation, Emirates Red Crescent, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police, Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior Affairs, Union Defence Force, Sharjah Charity International, Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Charitable Works, Al Maktoum Foundation, Al Rahma Charity Foundation, and Dubai Cares.