Conflicts and the Final Aim of Humanitarian Actions in the 21st Century: Sixth Joint OAU/ICRC Seminar on International Humanitarian Law

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was granted in May 1992 an Observer Status at the Organization of the African Unity (OAU), like it has with the United Nations since 1990, with the Organization of the Islamic Conference since ] 994 and with the Organization of American States since 1996. The co-operation agreement between the OAU and the ICRC which reflects the complementary nature of political action and humanitarian efforts has led to the opening in Addis Ababa in December 1993 of an ICRC Permanent Mission to the OAU and International Organizations. In the frame of the OAU/ICRC co-operation agreement, both institutions have been jointly organizing seminars on a regular basis since 1994 on various major humanitarian concerns in Africa for Ambassadors accredited to the OAU with the participation of UN Agencies and NGOs. The first seminar took place in April 11994 on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). At this Seminar, it was recommended that IHL should be taught at all levels particularly to the armed forces and combatants. It was also proposed to hold joint seminars on a regular basis not only to exchange information but also to discuss the vital humanitarian concerns in the field. Following this first seminar, the OAU Council of Ministers adopted in Tunis in June 1994 a resolution on respect for IHL and support for humanitarian action in armed conflicts. The five seminars that have been organized so far have contributed for the mobilization of the OAU Member States in achieving certain objectives such as the ratification of the Ottawa treaty on banning of the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of antipersonnel land mines. They are also aimed to enhance and strengthen the relationships between the OAU and the ICRC by consolidating political and diplomatic support for humanitarian activities throughout Africa. Furthermore, to remind Member States to better respect and ensure respect of international humanitarian law.