Objects from Mindanao, Iraq illustrate impact of wars on cities

THE International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines and the Intramuros Administration, launched on August 18 the "War in Cities" exhibit, which featured objects that were found, following the armed conflicts in Iraq and the Philippines, specifically from Marawi and Zamboanga. The exhibit, held as part of commemorations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month in the Philippines, was opened to the public at the Baluartillo de San Francisco tunnel at the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila from August 19 to 31.

The launch event featured a multidisciplinary panel discussion, composed of Ambeth Ocampo, professor of history at the Ateneo de Manila University; Col. Alvin Luzon, assistant chief of staff for Operations at the Philippine Army; and William Corkill, head of the ICRC Philippines Water and Habitat team. They discussed the humanitarian challenges, posed by conflicts in urban areas and the ways in which authorities could encourage and reinforce respect for IHL in these situations.