INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS VISITS COMMANDANT – Seeks Collaboration
The Coordinator, Armed and Security Forces of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),Mr Zarvan Owsia,paid a courtesy visit to the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy, (NDA) Major General JO Ochai, today 13 March 2024,at the Headquarters NDA,Afaka.
Speaking during the visit,Mr Owsia disclosed that his visit to NDA is aimed at seeking out areas of possible partnership with NDA in particular, and Armed Forces of Nigeria in general. He emphasised the importance of educating military personnel, cadets in particular on International Humanitarian Laws (IHL) which he said governs the conduct of armed forces during armed conflict and also aims to protect civilians, prisoners of war, and combatants who are no longer taking part in hostilities He commended the NDA previous efforts in teaching IHL to cadets and expressed ICRCs willingness to re-establish and strengthen partnership between the 2 institutions.The goal of the collaboration would be to enhance understanding of IHL principles among future military leaders and promote thier implementation in the field, the ICRC Coordinator added.
Mr Zarvan also noted that there are a lot of potentials in NDA, adding that it would be beneficial to plant the right seeds in the minds of the young cadets, whom he said would become future leaders of the Armed Forces.
Responding, the Commandant NDA Major General JO Ochai said the ICRC is an important observer in the United Nations, which brings relief during armed conflicts and facilitates communication between prisoners of war and their families.He responded positively to ICRC Coordinator`s proposal, recognising the significance of incorporating IHL into the education and training of cadets.Major General Ochai who recalled the relationship between NDA and ICRC expressed his commitment to renewing the partnership with ICRC and exploring ways to strengthen the teaching and practice of IHL at the NDA.
The Commandant and the ICRC’s Team also discussed various initiatives that could be undertaken to reintegrate IHL into the NDA’s curriculum.These initiatives include guest lectures by ICRC experts, conducting IHL focused training exercises as well as seminars and workshops.
Highpoints of the visit were interactive session, signing of the visitor’s book and a group photograph.
