Kinshasa: The International Committee of the Red Cross (CICR) appealed to national deputies on Tuesday, May 6, for the adoption of a law to protect the Red Cross emblem and internally displaced persons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Claudine Mushobekwa, the regional legal advisor for the international organization, presented this appeal during a meeting with members of the Defense and Security, Political, Administrative and Legal (PAJ), and Human Rights commissions of the National Assembly.

According to Radio Okapi, Mushobekwa expressed the need for legislation to prevent the illicit use of the Red Cross emblem, highlighting the current lack of sanctions for its misuse. She also addressed the necessity of safeguarding internally displaced individuals. This initiative by the CICR underscores the crucial role that the Constitution assigns to parliamentarians, particularly in ratifying international treaties, including those pertaining to international humanitarian law (IHL), and in passing the laws required for their national implementation.

The CICR emphasizes the importance of educating parliamentarians on IHL treaties and the obligations they entail. During the meeting, the CICR’s regional legal advisor sought the deputies’ support for any IHL-related legislative projects reviewed by the government.

Rubens Mikindo, the chairman of the Defense and Security Commission, expressed support for the CICR’s initiative in the lower house of Parliament. “The CICR has presented certain concerns that we, as national deputies, can convey to facilitate the adoption of treaties and laws. Regarding some treaties we deem important for the country, I believe the National Assembly will fulfill its responsibilities,” Mikindo stated.

This effort aimed to bolster advocacy for the implementation of IHL treaties, particularly those concerning the protection and use of the Red Cross emblem and the safeguarding of internally displaced persons.

SOURCE: RADIO OKAPI