The Regional Workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), sponsored by the Cuban Red Cross Society, is being held in the city of Holguin on September 15th and 16th with the participation of volunteers from the five eastern provinces and Camagüey.
According to Dr. Hilda Ponce Guerrero, Deputy General Director of the Cuban Red Cross, this is a training workshop on doctrine and IHL that will also be held in the province of Cienfuegos and later in Matanzas.
“We chose these three settings to better understand the goal of preparing all staff at our provincial branches on this topic and other current issues such as restoring communication between family members. As this program involves reuniting families and searching for people separated by armed conflict or violence. Here, they will be provided with the foundation, especially the legal norms and everything that covers missing persons.”
Among other topics covered, there is an update on the International Red Cross Movement, the Protection of Migrants and Displaced Persons. Current Challenges of International Humanitarian Law, Restoring Family Contact. Protection of Humanitarian Data, and Psychological Treatment for Disaster Victims. Taught by members of the Cuban Red Cross, including Professor Joel González García.
IHL dates back to 1864, with the first Geneva Convention. It is the set of norms that, for humanitarian reasons, regulates the conduct of armed conflicts. Their role is essential to influence policymaking and decision-making. Reinforcing their role in promoting justice and protecting dignity.
Regarding the establishment of the International Commission on International Humanitarian Law, the specialist in General Medicine also noted that “at the end of 2024, the 32nd International Conference of Red Cross Societies was held. Where the Cuban side made the promise to establish the International Commission on International Humanitarian Law in Cuba.
This promise materialized in 2025, chaired by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. José Ángel Portal Miranda. IHL is something we hold hand in hand, and we are its guides. Hence, we have held several workshops in different provinces on this principle.”
Currently, there are nearly 56 armed conflicts underway worldwide, so knowledge of IHL is essential. As these conflicts affect a growing number of civilians. Futhermore this framework protects innocent people and limits indiscriminate violence by ensuring respect and protection for those affected by the conflict.
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
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