Stakeholders Call For Domestication Of IHL In Nigeria, W/Africa

Key stakeholders, including members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC ) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have reiterated the need for member states to domesticate and implement International Humanitarian Laws (IHL) to ensure the protection of vulnerable populations in Nigeria and West Africa.

They called for stronger collaboration among governments, regional organisations, and international bodies during yesterday’s 20th ICRC-ECOWAS annual review meeting in Abuja.

Deputy head of delegation for the ICRC in Nigeria, Rafiullah Qureshi, emphasised the importance of ensuring that IHL is not just signed into treaties but also domesticated and integrated into national policies and operational procedures.

He explained that domesticating the laws will ensure that armed forces and security personnel understand their obligations, particularly in conflict situations, and act in compliance with IHL.

Qureshi also highlighted the need for consistent training to ensure that those involved in military operations understand their responsibilities under IHL.

The solicitor-general of Nigeria, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, pointed out that protocols like the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance, which mandates training on human rights, humanitarian law, and democratic principles, remain vital to promoting the rule of law in conflict situations.

She also stressed that compliance with IHL is vital to advancing the region’s peace, security, and human rights.

Representatives from ECOWAS and ICRC emphasised that the region’s experience with armed conflict, insurgency, and terrorism stressed the urgent need for governments to accelerate the domestication process.

ECOWAS director of humanitarian and social affairs, Dr Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, noted that despite increasing conflicts, there has been progress in building the capacity of armed forces to respect IHL.

She, however, stressed the need for continued advocacy and policy development to protect those affected by conflict.

The stakeholders also called for empowering ministry desk officers to expedite the domestication process.

The focal person for the National Committee for the Implementation of IHL in Nigeria, Abimbola Ajileye, said that delays in legislation often hinder the implementation of critical humanitarian treaties.