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LIBERIA: DETAINEES VISITED: After receiving authorization from the Ministries of Defence and Justice to enter Monrovia's central and military prisons, ICRC delegates went to the prisons from 9 to 12 November to visit persons arrested in connection with the clashes that had taken place in the capital in September.
INDONESIA: NATIONAL SOCIETY HARD AT WORK DURING VIOLENT CLASHES IN JAKARTA: During the violent clashes in Jakarta last week, in which 15 people were reported to have died and hundreds more to have been injured, 70 members of the Indonesian Red Cross Society treated 185 wounded on the spot and evacuated 174 others by ambulance to the eight nearest hospitals.
SWITZERLAND: ENFORCING HUMANITARIAN LAW NATIONALLY: Compliance with international humanitarian law at national level and the punishment of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity were among the issues discussed at a meeting of common law experts held by the ICRC in Geneva last week.
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LIBERIA DETAINEES VISITED
After receiving authorization from the Ministries of Defence and Justice to enter Monrovia's central and military prisons, ICRC delegates went to the prisons from 9 to 12 November to visit persons arrested in connection with the clashes that had taken place in the capital in September.
The visits took place in accordance with the ICRC's standard working procedures and the delegates were able to assess the general conditions of detention in the two prisons. They subsequently discussed their findings with the relevant authorities.
In the military prison, the delegates identified a need for structural improvements in the areas of water supply, sanitation and waste disposal. These will be met in cooperation with the detaining authorities. The ICRC also intends to provide blankets, personal hygiene items and water containers for the newly registered prisoners.
Further information: Symeon Antoulas, ICRC Monrovia, tel: ++231 22 63 06
INDONESIA NATIONAL SOCIETY HARD AT WORK DURING VIOLENT CLASHES IN JAKARTA
During the violent clashes in Jakarta last week, in which 15 people were reported to have died and hundreds more to have been injured, 70 members of the Indonesian Red Cross Society treated 185 wounded on the spot and evacuated 174 others by ambulance to the eight nearest hospitals.
Starting on 10 November seven mobile health teams, working from ambulances and linked by radio to a crisis centre set up by the Indonesian Red Cross, provided first aid for the wounded at trouble spots throughout the capital. The crisis centre mobilized volunteers to man the ambulances while the National Society's permanent staff coordinated the operations and organized emergency blood collections. Among the volunteers were students who set up first aid posts at three universities in Jakarta.
During the periods of relative calm, mobile teams from the Indonesian Red Cross visited the hospitals and drew up lists of the victims so as to be able to help families looking for injured relatives. Eleven families benefited from this service.
The ICRC assisted the National Society by providing medical supplies. Although none of the volunteers suffered injuries, four vehicles were slightly damaged. The cost of repairing them was covered by the ICRC, which continues to support the National Society in its efforts to promote greater respect for the red cross emblem.
Further information: Pierre Gerber, ICRC Jakarta, tel: ++62 21 720 72 52 Corinne Adam, ICRC Geneva, tel: ++4122 730 22 24
SWITZERLAND ENFORCING HUMANITARIAN LAW NATIONALLY
Compliance with international humanitarian law at national level and the punishment of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity were among the issues discussed at a meeting of common law experts held by the ICRC in Geneva last week. The meeting, similar to one convened last year for civil law experts, was attended by distinguished academics, senior members of the military and government officials from 16 common law States.
Participants assessed the type of legislation generally adopted in common law countries and addressed topics such as the role of national military law in enhancing enforcement of humanitarian law and the degree of complementarity between national and international enforcement systems. Discussions also focused on the importance of independent investigations and due process in prosecuting alleged war criminals, especially given the politically sensitive nature of such cases, and on the implications for national legislation of the recently adopted Statute of the International Criminal Court.
"This meeting marked the beginning of a process of consultation with common law States and provided an opportunity for thought-provoking and enlightening discussions", said Yves Sandoz, ICRC Director for International Law and Communication. "We hope that similar initiatives will be taken in the future to follow up these important issues and ensure better protection for war victims everywhere."
All those who attended the meeting were encouraged to keep in touch with one another and with the ICRC Advisory Service on International Humanitarian Law, which was set up in 1995 to help governments improve implementation in their countries. Legal assistance may also be obtained through National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. A report on the meeting will be published by mid-1999. It will contain practical advice for common law States on how to strengthen humanitarian law through national criminal and military law.
Further information: ICRC Advisory Service, Geneva, tel: 4122 734 60 01
During the weekend of 21 - 22 November 1998, for all information please call the press officer on duty Suzanne Berger, on (mobile) 41 79 202 36 70