---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: John Ashworth <[email protected]> Date: Fri, Jul 20, 2012 at 12:12 PM Subject: [sudan-john-ashworth] South Sudan ratifies the Geneva Conventions To: Group <[email protected]>
1. South Sudan ratifies the Geneva Conventions July 19, 2012 (JUBA) - The Republic of South Sudan on Monday agreed to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols related to the humanitarian treatment of the victims of war, after a bill was passed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA). The move now implies that all countries in the world have now signed the 1949 Geneva Conventions, making the treaties truly universal. "We are very pleased to learn that South Sudan has acceded to the Geneva Conventions. These rules which seek to protect human life and prevent needless suffering are now universal. The fact that all States have signed them puts that beyond doubt," said Melker Mabeck, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Juba. "The Geneva Conventions must continue to be incorporated into the training and doctrine of South Sudan’s army so they are known and complied with," he added The Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols are the core of international humanitarian law, setting out rules which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict. These rules, among others, protect persons not, or no longer, participating in hostilities, such as civilians, health workers and aid workers, wounded or sick soldiers, prisoners of war and other persons deprived of their liberty, and impose restrictions on the means and methods of warfare to which parties to conflict can resort. "This is an historic moment for South Sudan," said Dengtiel Ayuen Kuur, who chairs the NLA Committee of Legislation and Justice." "These laws restricting the means and methods of warfare must be adhered to if we are to forge a path towards peace and prosperity. Today we as a nation underline our commitment to the principles of humanity even in times of war," he added. The ICRC’s permanent international mandate to protect and assist victims of armed conflict is derived from the Geneva Conventions. Since it began operation in the region in 1986, the ICRC has reportedly provided technical support and advice to the South Sudanese government during the accession process, in addition to conducting training and information sessions on international humanitarian law for South Sudan’s army and armed groups present in South Sudan. (ST) http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-ratifies-the-Geneva,43310 END1 2. Red Cross: South Sudan joins Geneva Conventions on conduct of warfare Washington Post By Associated Press, Published: July 19 GENEVA — The International Committee of the Red Cross says South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, has signed on to the Geneva Conventions on the conduct of warfare, making the treaties “truly universal.” The Geneva-based Red Cross, which oversees compliance with the 1949 conventions that form the core of international humanitarian law, said Thursday that South Sudan signed the treaty after its legislature gave approval this week. Melker Mabeck, head of the Red Cross delegation in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, said the conventions must now be “incorporated into the training and doctrine of South Sudan’s army so they are known and complied with.” South Sudanese lawmaker Dengtiel Ayuen Kuur said his nation, which gained independence last year, emphasizes its “commitment to the principles of humanity even in times of war.” http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/red-cross-south-sudan-joins-geneva-conventions-on-conduct-of-warfare/2012/07/19/gJQAyqcvvW_story.html END2 ______________________ John Ashworth Sudan, South Sudan Advisor [email protected] +254 725 926 297 (Kenya mobile) +211 919 695 362 (South Sudan mobile) +27 82 050 1235 (South Africa mobile) +44 750 304 1790 (UK/international) +88 216 4334 0735 (Thuraya satphone) PO Box 52002 - 00200, Nairobi, Kenya This is a personal e-mail address and the contents do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation -- -- The content of this message does not necessarily reflect John Ashworth's views. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, John Ashworth is not the author of the content and the source is always cited. You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "sudan-john-ashworth" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.co.za/group/sudan-john-ashworth -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
