The grand finale of the written competition on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) titled “Humanitarian Pen” was held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey. The ceremony celebrated the crowning of Boubacar Abdou Abdoul Djalilou from UASTM University, the winner of this edition.
Under the high patronage of the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, and represented by its Secretary-General, “La Plume Humanitaire” is organized by the International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Promotion and Respect Stakeholders Meeting (RASAPRES DIH DH), with financial support from Switzerland.
The “Humanitarian Pen” competition emphasizes the importance of legal research, dialogue, and creativity in the face of contemporary challenges.
Participants in this first edition came from six institutions, including law faculties from state and private universities, as well as some of the country’s Grandes Écoles and Institutes. Additionally, young peace judges and judicial inspectors were also involved. A total of 12 students, young peace judges, and judicial inspectors were selected based on their institutions’ interest in IHL.
These 12 participants were given at least two weeks to submit a written piece (no more than 1500 words) responding to two questions on the Geneva Conventions. Prior to the competition, they attended a two-day introductory training course on international humanitarian law, led by experts such as lawyers, journalists, research professors, and ICRC staff.
After the competition results were announced, the first-place award went to Mr. Boubacar Abdou Abdoul Djalilou from UASTM University, the second-place award was given to Mr. Ali Adamou Abdou la Malik from UMEF University of Switzerland, and the third-place award went to Mr. Youssouf Ousmane Islam from Tahoua University.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, providing an opportunity to raise awareness about the protective power of IHL and to continue emphasizing the need for respect and enforcement of IHL.
“Humanitarian Pen: First Edition” is part of the events held in Niger to commemorate the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
In her opening speech, Ms. Abdourahamane Aminatou, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice, reminded attendees that the Geneva Conventions represent a universal commitment to humanitarian principles in times of armed conflict, providing protection for civilians, those deprived of liberty, the wounded, and those not participating in hostilities. She emphasized that the Conventions remind us of the limits that should not be exceeded during wartime.
For Niger, she highlighted that “these principles are not mere international obligations; they resonate deeply with our values and traditions.” She added that “as a party to the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols, Niger has integrated these principles into its national legal framework. Additionally, prior to modern IHL, Islamic laws of armed conflict have long promoted fundamental protections similar to those found in IHL, such as the prohibition of targeting civilians, respect for prisoners of war, and the obligation to care for the wounded.”
“The Geneva Conventions are not a foreign concept to us; their universality transcends cultural, political, and geographical divides,” she concluded.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice expressed gratitude to partners, especially RASAPRES DIH/DH and Swiss Cooperation, for creating a conducive environment for learning and collaboration, which has placed Niger at the forefront of promoting and implementing IHL.
The Secretary-General also reaffirmed Niger’s commitment to the ideals and principles of the Geneva Conventions, honoring their legacy, and working towards a future where these principles guide all actions during conflict.
Earlier, Mr. Alfred Goubadje, President of RASAPRES DIH DH, stated, “For several years, the anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, initiated by RASAPRES DIH DH and supported by our partners, has served as a showcase for promoting IHL in Niger.”
To mark this important event, he said, “we planned the organization of the ‘Humanitarian Pen’ competition in its first edition.”
Regarding the Swiss Cooperation, Ms. Céline Maye expressed her appreciation for the negotiators and acknowledged the officials, participants, and partners who made the 75th anniversary special.
The ceremony was attended by the technical advisor to the Minister of Defense, accredited diplomatic mission members to Niger, representatives of defense and security forces, and other distinguished guests.
It is important to note that RASAPRES DIH DH is a civil society organization responsible for the national committee in Niger for the implementation of IHL. Its mission is to promote, disseminate, and respect international humanitarian law and human rights, bringing together lawyers, doctors, and journalists.
RASAPRES plays a vital role in the promotion of IHL in Niger and has over a decade of experience organizing training seminars and moot court competitions in IHL.
