Image via WikipediaA regional workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the protection of civilians was held in Jakarta on 8-9 November 2010, co-hosted by the Foreign Ministries of Indonesia and Norway. The workshop was well attended, with participants from 12 countries in the region, the International Commitee of the Redd Cross (ICRC), military, academics, NGOs and national human rights institutions.The workshop was formally opened by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marty M. Natalegawa and the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre. Foreign Minister Støre emphasized Norway’s strong commitment to reclaim the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and underlined the value of IHL as a global achievement and shared responsibility. Foreign Minister Natalegawa emphasised education and training to strengthen the capacity of the military, observance of the notions of human rights and a strong political will as central for enhancing protection of civilians in time of armed conflict, and reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to comply with IHL.
