The Philippine embassy in Doha, led by ambassador Mardomel Celo D Melicor, took part in the observance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month, commencing the commemoration with a flag-raising ceremony and a solemn recitation of the IHL Pledge by its staff and officials at the chancery on Aug 3.

In a post on its Facebook page, the embassy articulated that its participation in the IHL Month and IHL Day aims to significantly bolster awareness of fundamental humanitarian principles, reinforce the protection of human dignity during times of armed conflict, and underscore the relevance of the Geneva Conventions.

According to the embassy, the IHL Pledge serves as a commitment to uphold core IHL tenets. These include the principles of distinction, proportionality of force, military necessity, limitation of means and methods of warfare, humane treatment, and non-discrimination. The pledge also strengthens the critical responsibilities of Filipino citizens as guardians of their people and nation, by upholding IHL principles.

The Philippines has a strong and enduring track record of championing IHL, the embassy noted. This commitment is evident in its ratification of all four Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. The nation was also the first in Southeast Asia to enact a National IHL Act and establish a dedicated National IHL Committee.

Executive Order No. 134 officially designates August 12 of each year as IHL Day, a date that holds significant importance for the nation's ongoing dedication to humanitarian principles. Further solidifying its regional leadership, the Philippines, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, will be the host nation for the Asia Pacific Regional Conference on IHL. Scheduled to take place in Manila from August 11 to 14, this gathering aims to ensure a meticulously organised and successful event that adheres to international standards and meets the expectations of all participating parties.

The main focus of the IHL conference will be on the follow-up actions stemming from the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (IC34) and the importance of the Geneva Conventions. Potential discussion topics are wide-ranging, covering the dignified management of the dead and humanitarian forensics, accounting for protected persons, detention practices, the law of naval warfare, the implications of information and new technology in armed conflict, humanitarian disarmament, and the intricate intersection of IHL and peace.

It is learnt that the conference will also address the disproportionate gendered impacts of armed conflict and the crucial need for disability inclusion within humanitarian efforts.

The 2025 Regional Conference on IHL is expected to yield a comprehensive report summarising the key takeaways from both plenary and breakout group discussions, presented in a non-attributable format. Additionally, an internal document will be produced, featuring contact information for key interlocutors to facilitate networking, outlining proposed next steps, and exploring avenues for potential collaboration.

The embassy stressed that these initiatives reaffirm the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to promoting and upholding humanitarian principles, not only within its borders but also across the broader Asia Pacific region and on the global stage.