Conclusion of the Jeddah Workshop on "Preventive Measures for Protecting Humanitarian Assistance and Healthcare Services in Times of Armed Conflicts"

The workshop on "Preventive Measures for Protecting Humanitarian Assistance and Healthcare Services in Times of Armed Conflicts" was successfully wrapped up by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority. The workshop took place in Jeddah Governorate from September 9 to 11, 2024, in collaboration with the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law and the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross for Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Several national Red Crescent and Red Cross societies from Arab countries also participated in the workshop.  
The director of the International Cooperation Department at the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Prince Abdullah bin Faisal Abdulrahman, emphasized the Authority and the Standing Committee's dedication to collaborating with their strategic partner, the International Committee of the Red Cross. They are committed to jointly disseminating the culture of international humanitarian law and protecting humanitarian personnel and healthcare providers during armed conflicts.
Chancellor Dr. Abdullah bin Medrek Al-Rwaily, Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law, welcomed workshop participants and attendees, highlighting Saudi Arabia's commitment to upholding human rights and meeting its international obligations. He mentioned that Saudi Arabia is actively working to strengthen international humanitarian law, especially when facing significant challenges encountered during armed conflicts. It is essential to balance the military necessities of states in war and protect individuals not involved in hostilities.
Chancellor Al-Rwaily mentioned that the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law, in collaboration with its key partner, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, has been actively engaged with various humanitarian organizations to uphold and enforce international humanitarian law domestically and globally to ensure the protection of individuals and preserve their dignity.
He emphasized that the Standing Committee, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, and their strategic partner, the International Committee of the Red Cross, collaborate and offer essential assistance to protect civilians during armed conflicts across various regions. Their goal is to address the requirements of those impacted in conflict regions, with each organization contributing according to its expertise and designated area of operation. He expressed that “the current global escalation of conflicts has led to wars, armed confrontations, and significant obstacles in providing humanitarian assistance and healthcare to affected populations. This situation has arisen due to the disregard for international humanitarian law and a lack of recognition regarding the critical role of humanitarian workers in times of conflict. Maintaining constant vigilance through preventive measures to protect humanitarian aid, healthcare services, and aid workers during armed conflicts is imperative. Consequently, the international community has prioritized implementing various mechanisms to ensure the protection and facilitation of humanitarian operations. These mechanisms include enforcing international humanitarian law, establishing specialized frameworks to protect aid delivery, and activating accountability measures. In line with national and international obligations to promote human rights and preserve human dignity, the Committee collaborates with partners to engage in activities to share expertise and knowledge and promote awareness. The involvement of specialists from Arab countries has significantly enriched these efforts”.
The Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law commended the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their humanitarian and aid initiatives, which have benefited numerous individuals impacted by armed conflicts across various countries. These initiatives, undertaken without discrimination, are integral to Saudi Arabia's broader humanitarian and international endeavors to address and alleviate the ramifications of conflicts affecting numerous regions and countries.
Al-Rwaily highlighted that the committee is celebrating the 75th anniversary of establishing the Geneva Conventions with the international community. These conventions serve as a significant international framework that has played a pivotal role in mitigating the devastating consequences of conflicts. The fundamental principles enshrined in these conventions align closely with the Islamic humanitarian values that have guided the Kingdom since its establishment. Recognizing the significance of international humanitarian law, Saudi Arabia promptly joined the conventions, demonstrating its commitment to their implementation and adherence from the outset.
Saudi Military Operations Commitment
Brigadier General Mansour bin Sultan Al-Subaie, the Saudi Air Force's legal advisor, emphasized that numerous Saudi military operations, which had the potential to realize significant victories and crucial strategic objectives, were halted at the eleventh hour solely for humanitarian considerations. This decision was made in strict conformity with international humanitarian law, starting from the initiation of Operation Decisive Storm and the commencement of military endeavors to reinstate legitimacy in Yemen, combat the Houthis, and address other terrorist factions within Yemen.
During the workshop, Brigadier General Mansour Al-Subaie remarked that while Saudi soldiers and pilots are renowned for their strong adherence to international laws and conventions governing human conduct and conflict rules, occasional minor errors may still take place. He highlighted the commendable dedication of Saudi pilots and soldiers in upholding humanitarian laws, emphasizing their commitment to holding off on crucial operations at the final moments to protect civilians, non-combatants, humanitarian personnel, medical teams, and humanitarian aid within regions of military operations.
The workshop, titled "Preventive Measures for Protecting Humanitarian Assistance and Healthcare Services in Times of Armed Conflicts," was designed to enhance awareness and education to national entities and organizations on the application of international humanitarian law principles throughout the stages of preparing, planning, implementing, and legally monitoring humanitarian operations. Its goals included identifying the challenges encountered by humanitarian aid and healthcare services during armed conflicts and implementing the necessary preventive measures. The workshop covered a range of topics, such as the rights and responsibilities of healthcare and humanitarian workers in times of armed conflict, preventive strategies for protecting humanitarian activities in regions of military operations (including rules of engagement and targeting), the international experiences of the Red Crescent and Red Cross societies in providing humanitarian aid within conflict regions, as well as mechanisms for protecting the emblems of humanitarian organizations during armed conflicts. Additionally, it addressed matters of criminal liability and accountability procedures for violations against healthcare, media, and humanitarian personnel during armed conflict.  
The workshop featured valuable lectures delivered by various international and local experts, such as Dr. Fawzi Oussedik, who serves as the Chairman of the Islamic Forum of International Humanitarian Law at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Brigadier General Legal Adviser Mansour bin Sultan Al-Subaie from the Ministry of Defense - Air Force, Dr. Moez bin Khalifa Al-Hudhali, a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross - Regional Delegation of the ICRC in Kuwait, Professor Dr. Ahmed Saad Al-Din Ishraqia, an expert and certified trainer in International Humanitarian Law, Dr. Adel Abdo Arishi, the Head of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority Branch in Jazan, Dr. Musaed bin Rashid Al-Enezi, a member of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, and Mr. Bandar bin Nasser Al-Shehri from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Makkah Branch.