Page 32 - CoESPU Magazine 2017-3

composed by experts of international level, discussed the most relevant current issues such as
deprivation of individual freedom in armed conflict, sexual and gender violence, medical staff
protection and humanitarian
negotiations.
The contributions by the
institutional representatives in
the forefront in the study and
protection of human rights
were also greatly appreciated;
among these the French
Defense Ministry, the
International Red Cross, the
International Criminal Court,
the Colombian Representation
to the United Nations and the
Italian Inter-Ministerial
Commission on Human
Rights.
The opportunity to take part in Professor Fausto Pocar, Sanremo IIHL Chairman
such a remarkable event has given me the chance to strengthen my understanding of certain topics of
IHL with a sure positive repercussion for my next activities at the Center. It is fair to remember that
although the Center deals mostly with the training and coaching of police forces, that will be employed
as UN peacekeepers in destabilized areas only after the cessation of hostilities, it is fundamental, for
them, to be aware of the major provisions of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Actually, although peacekeepers
are generally not considered part
to armed conflict (i.e. as fighters
or combatants), the Secretary
General’s Bulletin on the
Observance by United Nations
forces of International
Humanitarian Law
(ST/SGB/1999/13) stipulates
that peacekeepers will, when
involved in hostilities, adhere to
the principles of IHL as it
relates to the use of force and
the treatment of civilians and
other non-combatants, as well as
persons placed hors de combat.

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