They said IHL remains relevant in contemporary armed conflicts and strongly contributes to saving lives and reducing suffering during times of conflict.
Bangladesh National IHL Committee (NIHLC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) jointly organised a meeting for the National IHL Committees of Asia in the city.
Twenty participants from Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines and Sri Lanka attended the meeting while Afghanistan attended the meeting as an observer, according to ICRC.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Nepal Upendra Yadav, Director (UN wing) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Shahanara Monica and ICRC Bangladesh Head of Delegation Pierre Dorbes were present, among other dignitaries, at the opening session.
Amid this backdrop, participants discussed the relevant issues on the implementation of IHL and other humanitarian norms, shared updates, achievements, experience, good practices, and challenges at their domestic level.
Ideas were discussed as to how NIHLCs, expert groups or similar bodies specifically dedicated to the implementation of IHL, can play more innovative and broader roles in other humanitarian issues that affect the region.
They agreed that this type of exchange meeting provides an effective forum for NIHLC of Asia.
The meeting reflected on the progress that the states have made through the work carried out by the NIHLCs as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.