Considering that human rights and international humanitarian law (IHL) have always, even in different situations, aimed at protecting human beings and their fundamental rights,

Noting the competence of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to promote respect for international humanitarian law,

Recalling the resolution CM/Res. 1059 (XLIV), adopted at the 44th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the OAU which reaffirmed the determination of the OAU to support the ICRC in its activities and to grant it the necessary facilities to carry out its mandate,

Recalling also the conclusions of the seminar held in Banjul, October 1992, following the 12 Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the national implementation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which underscored the need to disseminate and implement the provisions of international humanitarian law applicable in time of armed conflicts,

Considering the Resolution on Human and Peoples’ Rights Education adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights at its 14th Session, December 1993,

Recognising the need for a close co-operation in the field of dissemination of international humanitarian law and human and peoples’ rights:

1. INVITES all African States Parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to adopt appropriate measures at the national level to ensure the promotion of the provisions of international humanitarian law and human and peoples’ rights;

2. STRESSES the need for specific instruction of military personnel and the training of the forces of law and order in international humanitarian law and human and peoples’ rights respectively;

3. STRESSES FURTHER the importance of regular exchange of information between the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Committee of Red Cross and human rights non-governmental organisations, on teaching and dissemination activities undertaken on the principles of human and peoples’ rights and international humanitarian law, in the schools, universities and all other institutions;

4. DECIDES to participate, as much as possible, in the seminars, conferences or technical sessions organised by the ICRC on questions of mutual interest and urges the ICRC to reciprocate for the activities of the Commission.