ICRC trains STF personnel on international law, enforcement
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has trained personnel of the Special Task Force (STF), in Plateau on international law of engagement in war situation and conduct of hostility.
The training which also include humanitarian principles and international standard of law enforcement also seeks to equip the special task-force with the international conduct of military operation while handling conflict situation.
While declaring open, the three day training programme in Jos on Tuesday, the Commander, STF in Plateau, also known as Operation Save Haven (OPSH), Major General Anthony Atolagbe, said, the task-force dimmed it fit to partner with the international Committee of the Red Cross, in other to enhance its operational engagement with the civilian populace during arm conflicts.
Atolagbe said, “As part of effort of the STF to collaborate with both Non-governmental organisations (NGO) and Civil Society Organisations (CSO), within our area of responsibility, we dimmed it fit to invite the ICRC to educate us on the best international practice of humanitarian principles of engagement during armed conflict.
“Before now, especially in the 80s, the Military operates in isolation, but due to several review according to both the United Nations (UN), and other international organisation, it was revealed that operating in isolation does not form the synergy to perform our duties in line with global standard.
“With this training, therefore, it has become imperative that where ever we find international organizations and NGOs we are compelled to partner and collaborate with them.
“We need to project ourselves in such a manner that the community we seek to protect and represent will give us the maximum respect and a conducive atmosphere to operate”, he said.
The STF boss also stressed the need for Personnel to exhibit professionalism while carrying out their official duties in line with the relevant provisions in the Force Order and other Administrative Instructions, adding that the trainees should also remind themselves of the pivotal role they play in curbing conflict even as he urged them to concentrate, learn, assimilate and put to use what they would be taught during the workshop.
Earlier, the Head of Sub delegation ICRC, Plateau State office, Mr. Hichan Rizkallah, said, training the OPSH personnel on humanitarian international law, will address the disconnect between the victims of arm conflict and the Military.
Rizkallah said at the end of the training, officers will be equipped with the best international practice of conduct of handling hostility during operation in the field.
He emphasized the need to continue the existing cooperation between his organization and the task-force, pointing out that the ICRC has been operating a mutual open door policy with every security agency in the country.
The ICRC, Rizkallah said, is a humanitarian organization which among other things provides succour to victims of armed conflicts and detainees across the world.
Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos
