(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) recently co-organised an international conference, titled "Preservation of Human Dignity at Times of Armed Conflicts", in Dakar, Senegal.
It aimed to discuss ways in which to preserve human dignity during armed conflicts and cite the principles of the international humanitarian law (IHL) in such crises.
The two-day conference was co-organised with the Senegalese Red Cross Society and Islamic Committee of International Crescent. QRC was represented by a delegation headed by Dr Fawzi Oussedik, director of QRC international relations, together with Professor Mostafa Khaiati and Sahrawi.
The attendance included more than 40 specialists in IHL as well as Islamic scholars and sheikhs representing religious families in West Africa, which have played and still play an important role in the political and social arenas in their respective countries and contribute to the creation of a culture of IHL region-wide.
The event involved presentations on the significant functions of religious families. Dr Oussedik stressed the need to respect IHL rules, which are violated, and to apply them more strictly and effectively to protect human lives and dignity.
Dr Oussedik highlighted the tolerance of Islam and its relation to IHL, calling for measures to stop the exposure of civilians during armed conflicts to drastic forms of genocide, deformation of national identity, large-scale displacement, destruction of public utilities such as sewage, electricity, water and food supply systems, and the use of human shields.
He attributed the issue of preserving human lives and dignity during traditional wars and internal armed conflicts to a disrespect for IHL rules, commending the religious families for reviving the legacy of ancestors and support for IHL. He called for putting an end to the escape from punishment and prosecution by war crime perpetrators as this is detrimental to justice and post-conflict reconciliation attempts.
During the conference, Dr Oussedik distributed Qur'an copies as gifts to the participating West African scholars and sheikhs, who appreciated the gesture.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dr Oussedik held meetings and deliberations with the president of the Senegalese Red Cross, Abdoul Azize Diallo, chairman of the Consultative Board, Imam Omar al-Deen, and representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Ibrahima Tounkara. He also visited some Senegalese Red Cross-run schools and joined the children in their activities.
The delegation took a tour of Gorée island (a past foothold of slavery) to watch the projects implemented by QRC there, notably the mosque and Qur'an study centre. They met with the mayor of Gorée, Augustin Senghor, to explore ways to build on amicable relations and enhance current and future co-operation.
Another meeting was held between Dr Oussedik and the CEO of WalFadjri (a major Senegalese media group), Dr Sidy Lamine Niasse, to agree on aspects of bilateral co-operation.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.