Omar Marwan — the Minister of Justice and Chairperson of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law — will be discussing ways to foster cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross in promoting international humanitarian law.
Marwan left on Saturday morning for Geneva to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Red Cross on areas of dissemination and promotion of a culture of international humanitarian law, according to a statement by the ministry.
The MoU aims to organise events, conferences, and seminars for workers in the sectors and bodies concerned with international humanitarian law in Egypt as well as preparing studies and research related to the compatibility of national laws with international conventions ratified by Egypt.
During his visit, Marwan is scheduled to attend some events organised by the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva in order to shed light on the human rights situation in Egypt and the current development the country is witnessing in this regard.
International Humanitarian Law is a set of wartime rules that protect people who are not taking part in the conflict, including civilians, medical and religious personnel, as well as Red Cross and Red Crescent workers. It also protects the sick, wounded, shipwrecked, prisoners of war, and people who are deprived of their liberty.
The law’s main purpose is to limit and prevent human suffering in times of armed conflict. It also regulates the treatment of the wounded and prohibits attacks against civilians and the use of certain weapons.
