National Summit on International Humanitarian Law in the Philipppines 13 REMARKS HON. EVAN P. GARCIA Assistant Secretary United Nations and OtherInternational Organizations Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Evan Garcia greeted everyone a very warm morning and extended the warmest greetings from the DFA Secretary Alberto G. Romuloto the celebration of the International Humanitarian Law Day. This year’s commemorationis special as it marks for persons facing criminal proceedings. Both the 60" Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions prohibit discrimination. However, the scope of andits Protocols, anditis fitting that the theme of ratification of these two bodies oflaw is different. the celebration for today is: IHL applies in times of armedconflicts; whereas “Geneva Conventions: Humanity Amidst Conflicts”. human rights applies at all times, both in peace and war. IHL bindsall actors in armed conflicts, Hestressed that the Geneva Conventionsis one of States, armed groups and individuals. Human humanity’s greatest achievementsin confronting the rights law regulatesrelations includingindividuals. inhumanity of war. It commands universal acceptance by States with a total number of 194 In behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs, membercountry ratifications. The Conventions ASec Garcia commended the Commission on form the heart of International Humanitarian Law, HumanRights of the Philippines andits partners the internationally accepted body of law that is for organizing the National Summit on humanity’s shield against the ravages of war. International Humanitarian Law. He then hoped that the celebration ofInternational Humanitarian He further emphasized that International Law Daywill increase awarenessof this important Humanitarian Lawis often referredto as the laws bodyofinternationallaw as it seeks to protect the of war or the laws of armed conflict becauseit lives, liberty and humanity in times of such codifies the norms that should regulate the protection asit is needed most. conduct of armed conflict andlimitits effects. It defines the conduct and responsibilities of In his conclusion, he reiterated the complete and belligerent nations between nations as well as full commitmentofthe Philippine Governmentto individuals and non-State parties engaged in respect the international and national standards warfare in relation to each otherandtocivilians. of IHL and HumanRights Law regardless of It is sacred to humanrights law as well as obstacles and challenges that come their ways. He international humanitarian law as the protection theninvitedall the participants to work with the of humanlife. Both bodiesoflaw prohibit torture government in this endeavour as they continue or cruel treatment and both prescribe basicrights their work today andthe days ahead.