Red Cross demands Muslim scholars to contribute to International Humanitarian Law

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Visiting members of the ICRC in Iran visited the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought to discuss the latest situation in Muslim war-torn countries across the globe and how Islam can contribute to the aim of the international organization which is to alleviate the suffering of the people affected by violence and make sure that human dignity is respected.In this meeting Pierre Dorbes, deputy head of the International Committee of the Red Cross elaborated on the objectives of the international organization and noted, “We are trying to study the compatibility of international humanitarian law with Islam and they are very important when we look at protection of the rights of civilian population, the way prisoners of war should be treated or how the wounded and the sick should be taken care of and we of course we see direct links.”He added, “To have a legal base in the countries being violated is important and we are in constant need of making sure that international humanitarian law is compatible with the culture and religious beliefs of the people we are working with and working for.”Pierre Dorbes also referred to the activities of the ICRC in Muslim countries saying, “More than 50 pc of our activities in ICRC are carried out in the countries with Muslim culture. “and added,” We think it’s very important to make sure that international humanitarian law is compatible with Islamic belief and looking at the bridges between these two normative pillars.”On the role of Muslim scholars and implementation of International Humanitarian Laws in the present critical situation of some Muslim countries he said, “We need the support of the scholars and the educated people to put that into perspective and to develop these bridges and how implementation of these rules can be strengthened.”The links between international humanitarian law and Islam highlights the importance of this dialogue and this is why it is very important and useful to develop a kind of cooperation we have here in Iran through our particular center in Qom.”/149