ECOWAS court and ICRC strengthen partnership to integrate International Humanitarian Law

ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, CCJ, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, has expressed commitment to promote the domestication and applicability of International Humanitarian Law, IHL, across West African states.

The President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Nigeria, Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro, stated this delivering his opening remarks at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Workshop with ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, in Abuja.

He commended the ICRC for the smooth collaboration and renewed partnership demonstrated by the recent signing of an MoU between ECOWAS Court and the ICRC in Nigeria.

He said the MoU will help to ensure the applicability of IHL across the Lake Chad and west Africa.

Speaking, the Head of Delegation ICRC in Nigeria, Yann Bonzon underscored the importance of International Humanitarian Law in minimising the suffering of innocent civilians during armed conflicts.

Bonzon who also lauded the crucial role of ECOWAS Court in safeguarding IHL and IHRL, expressed confidence that the domestication and applicability of the law would enhance the expertise and role of the court in applying the laws and addressing humanitarian challenges in West African region.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Registrar, of the ECOWAS, Community Court of Justice, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama commended ICRC’s global efforts in protecting victims of armed conflict and violence.

Meanwhile, presenters at the event commended the organisers – the ICRC and ECOWAS – for convening the much-needed forum after a five-year hiatus dating back to 2019, while calling for greater collaboration at all levels of society to actualise the applicability of IHL in West Africa.

A highlight at the event was the official unveiling of the International Humanitarian Law digital App to participants at the meeting.