The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the National School of Judicial Training (ENFJ) hosted the first edition of the Humanitarian Conference in Chad on November 4, 2026. The event brought together national authorities, ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, government departments, defense and security forces, the judiciary, and human rights institutions. The conference focused on the theme "International Humanitarian Law and Protection of Persons." This initiative aimed to promote discussions on the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
According to Thierry Ribaux, head of the ICRC delegation, the conference addressed various questions related to international humanitarian law (IHL). He highlighted Chad's openness to integrating IHL into its legislation and practices. The objective of the meeting was to foster exchanges on the principles of IHL, including respect for human life, dignity, justice, and protection of civilians. The ICRC and ENFJ sought to strengthen understanding and application of IHL in Chad, where protecting human life and dignity remains a significant challenge.
The conference was attended by Chad's Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, and Human Rights, Ndolenodji Alixe Naïmbaye. She emphasized the importance of the discussions and the need to translate them into concrete actions. The minister noted that the conference had shed light on the requirements of international humanitarian law and the difficulties of its implementation. She called for the closure of the conference to mark the beginning of a new stage, focused on follow-up discussions and practical implementation.
Minister Naïmbaye stressed that collective responsibility lies in ensuring that the reflections find a continuation in the daily exercise of their missions. The participants included various stakeholders, such as authorities, ambassadors, and representatives of international organizations. The conference provided a platform for them to engage in discussions on the protection of persons and the respect for international humanitarian law. The event demonstrated Chad's commitment to upholding human rights and dignity.
The ICRC and ENFJ collaboration aimed to promote a better understanding of international humanitarian law in Chad. The conference addressed key issues, such as the protection of civilians and the respect for human life. The participants acknowledged the challenges of implementing IHL and the need for collective action. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to integrating IHL into Chad's legislation and practices.
The conference outcomes are expected to contribute to the strengthening of IHL in Chad. The ICRC and ENFJ will likely continue their collaboration to promote the respect for human rights and dignity. The event demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges. Chad's hosting of the conference underscored its commitment to upholding international humanitarian law.
The Humanitarian Conference in Chad marked a significant step towards promoting international humanitarian law. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions on the protection of persons and the respect for human rights. The conference outcomes are expected to have a positive impact on the implementation of IHL in Chad.
Key points
- The conference was organized by the ICRC and ENFJ to promote understanding and application of international humanitarian law in Chad.
- The event brought together various stakeholders, including national authorities, ambassadors, and representatives of international organizations.
- The conference aimed to foster exchanges on the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including respect for human life, dignity, justice, and protection of civilians.