Five Rwandan universities participate in the 10th edition of the National Competition for Advocacy in International Humanitarian Law (DIH). This competition is organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as indicated by the ICRC’s Head of Mission, Ms. Aurélie Grange. She gave an interview to André Gakwaya of the Rwandan News Agency (RNA) about this two-day event. Here’s what he said:
AG – The ICRC is the guardian of international humanitarian law (IDH), the law of war, a mandate that has been entrusted to us by all countries signatory to the Geneva Conventions. This mandate includes the dissemination of knowledge in IHL, particularly among decision-makers and lawyers of tomorrow. We organise this national advocacy competition in several countries; Here, in East and Central Africa, for example, we organized it in nine different countries. The aim is to foster understanding of IHL among law students.
The competition brings together five universities in Kigali. Last year they were six, but one of them was unable to participate this year. Each university is represented by a team of three students, selected by their respective institutions.
The competition covers international humanitarian law (IHL). Students work on case studies, placing themselves in the context of war scenarios. How does the IHL protect civilian populations or those who no longer participate in hostilities, i.e. those who no longer fight? For example, this year’s theme is the protection of hospitals, in other words, health infrastructure.
We know that this is a very topical issue, because we see that hospitals are being attacked in the current conflicts around the world. It is therefore essential for us to remind everyone of their rights and obligations in such situations and to constantly defend the three fundamental principles of international humanitarian law (IHL): take the necessary precautions to avoid targeting civilians, ensure the proportionality of attacks and maintain a clear distinction between civilians and combatants. These three fundamental principles of the IHL must be applied in all circumstances, even in times of war.
ARI – This year, the theme is special. Which country did you choose as the framework for this conflict? In addition, a man, Zawadi Mwamba, was wanted and appeared before a court. Could you tell us more?
AG – This is an entirely fictional scenario created specifically for this exercise. It takes place in an imaginary country. The situation described is that of a non-international armed conflict (CANI), what the ICRC calls a CANI. In other words, it is not a war between two States, but a conflict between a State and an armed group. The rules of international humanitarian law (IHL) apply differently depending on whether the conflict is international or not. It is a purely hypothetical case study, designed by legal experts.
ARI – And what message would you like to convey to all law students, as well as justice personnel, the military, the police – to all those involved in IHL – and to the general public?
AG – Naturally, our main message is on the application of international humanitarian law in times of war. It was important for us to bring together the decision makers of tomorrow; This is why we have invited not only students, but also academics specializing in international humanitarian law, as well as representatives of various security sectors that could influence this right.
We have also contacted those who will play a future role in protecting civilians. This year, our main message focused specifically on hospitals and the protection of health services in times of war. More broadly, however, our main message concerns the protection of civilians and those who no longer participate in hostilities during armed conflicts.
We are witnessing a continuing deterioration of the situation, as civilians are increasingly affected by conflicts around the world. That is, in essence, our main message.
ARI – Two teams will be selected to participate in the final of tomorrow’s Supreme Court. Have the students who participated in this competition received specialized training in international humanitarian law?
AG – Well, in Rwandan law schools, international humanitarian law is a module in its own right, a specific subject. Their studies are therefore not entirely devoted to IHL, but it is one of the modules addressed during their university studies.
N.B.:
The main context is that of a presidential election in Wadiya with the aim of restoring the rule of law. However, the regime in place rigged the election and installed a president. In reaction, the opposition strengthened and formed an army – a rebel group led by Colonel Zawadi Mwamba. At one point, this rebel army bombed a stockpile of ammunition stored by the government near a hospital. The subsequent explosions destroyed the hospital – including vital infrastructure and essential medical equipment – and cost the lives of twelve doctors and nurses. This constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The students were tasked with assessing the damage and its various implications for possible prosecution of those responsible – including Colonel Mwamba, who was represented by a defence team in court.
The five universities participating in the selection on the first day are: Unilak, ULK, Kigali University, Ines Ruhengeri and the University of Mount Kigali.
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