Twenty officers comprising of Senior Lieutenants and Captains of the Fiji Military Forces were this week briefed on the roles and functions of the International Committee of the Red Cross by Judith Greenwood, the ICRC's Head of the Regional Delegation for the Pacific.
Ms Greenwood said that the briefing would help the military officers understand the presence of the ICRC in conflict and high risk situations.
"When they work overseas, it's important that they are well versed with International Humanitarian Law and the role that International Committee of the Red Cross plays on its own and as part of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and where the respective functions border upon during any situation," said Ms Greenwood.
The interaction enabled the officers, most of whom have had active service in peacekeeping duties abroad, the opportunity to reflect and further relate their experiences regarding the protection of civilians and treatment given to wounded military personnel.
Ms Greenwood stressed the importance of promoting respect for Humanitarian Laws and the fundamental principles of the Red Cross Movement.
She said despite the risks and challenges faced by Red Cross volunteers the world over, the work undertaken demanded sacrifice and dedication, when given the arduous task of managing any humanitarian situation.
Commandant of the RFMF Officers Training School Major Peniasi Gade said that the ICRC's presentation would empower the officers further by helping them in their professional development as they progress further.
The officers have been undergoing training at the RFMF Officers Training School in Vatuwaqa.
The ICRC, established in 1863, works worldwide to provide humanitarian help for people affected by conflict and other situations of violence and to promote the laws that protect victims of hostilities.
An independent and neutral organization, the ICRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement along with the International Federation and 186 National Societies. ICRC is the founding organisation within the Movement, and has received three Nobel Peace Prizes, the first being in 1917.
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