QRC holds workshop on international humanitarian law and Shariah in Turkey

The workshop held in Turkey attracted a wide range of participants from engaged parties as well as Arab international humanitarian law and Islamic Shariah instructors and experts. A representative of the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs attended the closing day of the event.

Discussions covered principles of international humanitarian law, particularly those related to protection of civilians, prisoners, women and children, as well as relief assistance delivery in conflict zones. Participants also discussed aspects of compatibility between international humanitarian law and Islamic Shariah and how their objectives integrate.

The trainees expressed their respect for the provisions of Islamic Shariah and international humanitarian law, showing interest in arranging specialised training courses for their respective military, judicial, political, media and human rights officials.

The instructors commended the positive interactivity of participants and the flexibility and co-operation of engaged parties by accepting dialogue on the applications of international humanitarian law and having the willingness to promote their knowledge and practice of its implications regarding the Syrian conflict.

QRC is planning more workshops on issues of international humanitarian law in co-operation with many other Syrian factions. The organisation has made considerable efforts in international humanitarian law training under the seven international humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.