Yogyakarta – On Wednesday (25/10), the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), in collaboration with the Master Program in Bioethics at UGM and the UNESCO Chair on Bioethics at UGM, organized a webinar titled “Raboan Discussion Forum.” The webinar featuring esteemed speaker dr. Arief Rachman, Sp.Rad from MER-C (Medical Emergency Rescue Committee) and moderated by dr. Nasrun S.H., M.Sc, Master Program in Bioethics alumnae and lecturer at Universitas Alkhairaat Palu.
dr. Arief Rachman provided insights into IHL as outlined by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). He elucidated how IHL constitutes a set of regulations aimed at mitigating the repercussions of armed conflicts. It serves to safeguard individuals who are not actively engaged in hostilities and imposes constraints on the methods and means of warfare.
The webinar shed light on poignant examples, such as the conflict between Israel and Gaza, where healthcare facilities became targets, rendering them inoperable post-attack. Tragically, healthcare personnel lost their lives, and ambulances were severely damaged, exacerbating the shortage of essential medical supplies, fuel, and water due to blockades.
The discussion underscored how violations of IHL precipitate grave humanitarian crises, including malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and the looming threat of harsh winter conditions. The webinar served as a platform for fostering awareness and dialogue on the imperative need to uphold and enforce International Humanitarian Law in conflict zones worldwide.
Watch full video here: