In a concerted effort to bolster their partnership, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have underscored the imperative to enhance their collaboration in promoting adherence to International Humanitarian Laws (IHL).
The ICRC, globally recognized for its impartial and humanitarian missions, has played a pivotal role in providing extensive training on IHL principles to numerous NAF officers and enlisted personnel.
In a statement Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet said this aligns with the ICRC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and dignity of those affected by war and internal violence. The organization’s collaboration with armed forces worldwide extends to working closely with the NAF and advocating for the adherence to laws governing armed conflicts during hostilities.
He said these developments were revealed during a recent visit by the ICRC team, led by Mr. Yann Bonzon, to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, at NAF Headquarters.
Mr. Yann emphasized that the ongoing collaboration between the NAF and ICRC signifies a shared commitment to upholding humanitarian values and ensuring the humane treatment of individuals impacted by armed conflicts. He highlighted that the dialogue between the two organizations serves as a testament to their dedication to advancing humanitarian efforts and fostering a culture of respect for human rights amid the challenges posed by conflict situations. While commending the NAF for its efforts in ensuring personnel adherence to IHL, Mr. Yann expressed his appreciation for the NAF’s unwavering support and the protection provided to ICRC staff during their humanitarian activities, particularly in the Northeast and other operational areas across the country. He also conveyed the organization’s commitment to maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the NAF until common ground is reached on addressing humanitarian needs.
In response, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff, expressed gratitude for the substantial contributions made by ICRC to NAF’s activities. He specifically acknowledged the impactful role played by ICRC in areas of humanitarian assistance, training, and research in operational theatres, units, colleges, and training institutions. Emphasizing the positive influence of ICRC’s involvement in enhancing the handling of humanitarian activities, Air Marshal Abubakar echoed sentiments of collaboration and cooperation. He reiterated the NAF’s readiness to engage with ICRC and other organizations to ensure the adherence to humanitarian laws during operations. The meeting concluded on a positive note, underscoring the commitment of both organizations to jointly address and overcome humanitarian challenges.
