A jointly organised four-day regional training course on Islam & International Humanitarian Law by Shariah Academy of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) commenced on Tuesday. The workshop would discuss implementation of International Human Law (IHL), war crimes and IHL, improvised explosive device awareness, protection of cultural heritage and other relevant topics through relevant government officials and experts of both institutions. IIUI President Professor Dr Ahmed Yousaf Ahmed Al Draiweesh and ICRC Head Reto Stocker joined the inaugural ceremony of the course. It was also attended by Dr Muhammad Munir, Director General Shariah Academy and IIUI vice president, ICRC spokesperson, experts and academicians of the both institutions. Speaking on the occasion, Reto Stocker said, “This course is a continuity of the interaction of the ICRC with the higher educational and religious institutions for over a decade now to promote the understanding of Islamic law related to the conduct of hostilities and IHL.” While lauding IIUI services in collaborations, he added that tying bond between us is the common cause of promoting humanitarian law and principles to alleviate the sufferings faced by humanity during wars and situations of violence. IIUI President Dr Ahmed Yousaf Al-Draiweesh highlighted the services of IIUI in human rights awareness and reminisced previous programs held with ICRC. He also discussed war crimes and said university has initiated a human rights course in the university. He added that IIUI is keen to collaborate with all the relevant institutions. Published in Daily Times, July 18th 2018.