IHRC Head Of Mission, Duru Hezekiah, Unveils New Book On Int’l Humanitarian Law And Armed Conflicts

Scholars have argued that International humanitarian law (IHL) is a set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict. It lays out the responsibilities of states and non-state armed groups during an armed conflict.

It requires, among other things: the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid during armed conflicts, the freedom of movement for humanitarian workers in conflict areas, the protection of civilians (including medical and humanitarian workers), and the protection of refugees, prisoners, the wounded and the sick.

Meanwhile, the Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission for the International Human Rights Commission IHRC in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, has urged world leaders to retort to the main treaties of international humanitarian law adopted in the 1949 Geneva Conventions after the horrors of World War Two.

Dr. Duru Hezekiah gave the assertion on Friday 8th September 2023, while unveiling his new book on International Humanitarian Law and Armed Conflicts: An African Perspective at the International Conference Center Abuja.

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He attributed the book to four basic principles of the International Humanitarian Law such as the prohibition on the infliction of unnecessary suffering; the principle of proportionality; the notion of necessity; and the principle of humanity.

In his remarks, Dr. Duru emphasized that the book ‘International Humanitarian Law and Armed Conflicts: An African Perspective’, provides a timely intervention in current situations of insecurity and armed conflict across Africa and the world as it presents a great risk to humanity globally.

He stated that the book identifies legal challenges and critically discusses them to proffer possible solutions and understand new developments in armed conflict according to international humanitarian law treaties.

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He noted that the book is a refreshing and significant response to a crying need in Africa Continent that provides us with a clear and remarkable insight into the grave violations of human rights associated with armed conflicts particularly the vicissitudes and plight of women and children and its concrete remedies.

“Well researched, it is a compact but very comprehensive work on international humanitarian laws and a valuable contribution to legal studies in Nigerian Institutions”, he hinted.

With the subject examined from a wide range of perspectives – psychological, social, cultural, historical, physiological, and religious; the style is poignant, direct, straight, forward, and concise, enabling the author to reduce the complexities and intricacies of the subject-matter in terms that are easily comprehensible and accessible to a wide audience.

“The book is thus as much a brilliant work of scholars as it is a practical guide for policymakers. It is as much a rich resource for legal practitioners, activists, and development professionals as a valuable source of information for the general reader. I, therefore, recommend the book as a must-read for everyone interested in promoting the culture of peace in Africa”, Duru added.