Training Command – Military Academy

The Czech Red Cross (CRC) and the Principles of the International Humanitarian Law Course back in Vyškov Garrison

An education program called Principles of the International Humanitarian Law, which took place at Training Command – Military Academy (TC-MA) in Vyškov, was held in PDA premises from 23^rd to 25^th October 2009 and was intended for regular soldiers and CRC regional branches staff.

This event was organized by the Career Preparation Department of the Institute of Training TC – MA within the framework of the Officer Course and with participation of the Red Cross and its chairman Dr Marek JUKL, Ph.D., main coordinator of the CRC for issues regarding the International Humanitarian Aid (IHA).

The principal aim of the course was to develop basic knowledge regarding the activities and mission of the International Red Cross in particular, solving current issues of the implementation of the IHA in the Armed Forces and gaining practical skills while solving factual model situations. The main goals of this training were to know and understand relevant mechanisms of securing international legal protection for the victims of the armed conflicts, master basic principles of the IHA as well as permitted ways of leading actions. Among the topics concerning directly the Czech Army members were lectures on the implementation of the IHA in the Armed Forces and deployment rules, the so-called RoEs.

According to the students of the Officer Course, gained knowledge means for them a significant advancement in their professional training. In the future their newly-gained experience will be used for a preparation of other professionals at combat units as well as for training of the peace-keeping units before starting their missions abroad.

After a final interview and successful conclusion of the course all participants were given a certificate of attendance by the chairman of the CRC which enables them to teach the IHH issues.

English translation: Mgr. Katarína Murínová