As the Philippines observes the 77th International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day and month-long IHL Commemoration this August, the Department of National Defense (DND) has strengthened efforts to ensure that government institutions are equipped to uphold humanitarian principles during armed conflict.

The DND held a Joint IHL Capacity-Building Training on 12 to 14 August in Quezon City, bringing together representatives from member agencies of the Inter-Agency Committee on IHL (IAC-IHL) to promote respect for and compliance with international humanitarian law.

Held under the theme, “Pinalakas na Ugnayan at Pagkakaisa sa Pagsusulong ng IHL” (Stronger Cooperation and Solidarity in Advancing IHL), the three-day training focused on strengthening coordination among government institutions in protecting civilians affected by armed conflict and upholding the country’s commitments under IHL.

Through lectures, discussions and collaborative learning sessions, participants exchanged insights and best practices aimed at improving the implementation and dissemination of IHL within their respective agencies.

The training also reinforced the responsibility of government institutions to integrate IHL principles into their policies, programs and operations.