CAIRO, Dec 8 (KUNA) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday renewed its condemnation of attacks against humanitarian workers in conflict zones, warning of a growing loss of respect for humanitarian principles during armed crises.
In opening remarks at the 13th meeting of Arab National Committees for International Humanitarian Law hosted by the Arab League and chaired by Egypt's Minister of Justice Adnan Fanjari, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Cairo, Anna Brats, said the gathering comes at a "highly sensitive moment" amid unprecedented humanitarian challenges requiring strengthened adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and enhanced civilian protection.
Brats said the widespread violations witnessed globally reflect "a dangerous decline" in respect for essential protection rules. She highlighted the ICRC's long presence in Egypt and praised cooperation with the Arab League and Egypt's national IHL committee in organizing the meeting.
She stressed the urgency of the discussions as humanitarian crises intensify in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and other underreported conflict areas, noting that civilians continue to bear the greatest burden of suffering.
Brats also pointed to the alarming scale of violations against civilians and the challenges posed by modern urban warfare, which complicate efforts to ensure civilian protection.
She underlined the vital role of Arab national IHL committees in adopting national legislation, establishing enforcement mechanisms, and promoting treaty ratification, emphasizing that implementation of IHL is a "continuous process." The two-day meeting is attended by the State of Kuwait Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, representatives of Arab national committees on international humanitarian law, and experts from institutions concerned with IHL implementation. (end) mm.hs