Protecting our future by protecting our students
- By Eugene Clark
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E-mail China.org.cn, April 25, 2015
Guideline 2 provides that schools and universities that have been abandoned or evacuated because of the dangers presented by armed conflict not be used by the fighting forces of parties to armed conflict for any purpose in support of their military effort, except in extenuating circumstances when they are presented with no viable alternative, and only for as long as no choice is possible between such use of the school or university and another feasible method for obtaining a similar military advantage.
Guideline 3 provides that schools and universities must never be destroyed as a measure intended to deprive the opposing parties to the armed conflict of the ability to use them in the future. Schools and universities - be they in session, closed for the day or for holidays, evacuated or abandoned - are ordinarily civilian objects.
Guideline 4 provides that in circumstances where the use of a school or university by the fighting forces of parties to armed conflict in support of their military effort has the effect of turning it into a military objective subject to attack, parties to armed conflict should consider all feasible alternative measures before attacking them, including, unless circumstances do not permit, warning the enemy in advance that an attack will be forthcoming unless it ceases its use. Parties should also take into account the fact that children are entitled to special protection and consideration.
Guideline 5 provides that fighting forces of parties to armed conflict should not be employed to provide security for schools and universities, except when alternative means of providing essential security are not available. If possible, appropriately trained civilian personnel should be used to provide security for schools and universities. If necessary, consideration should also be given to evacuating children, students and staff to a safer location.
Guideline 6 provides that all parties to armed conflict should, as far as possible and as appropriate, incorporate these Guidelines into formal documents and policies, for example, in their military manuals, operational rules and practice.
These guidelines were finalized through a state-led process headed by Norway and Argentina. They may also serve as a tool for organizations engaged in monitoring, programming, and advocacy related to the conduct of armed conflicts.
An international conference is being planned for June 1, 2015, in Oslo, where states will have the opportunity to sign-on to the Declaration and endorse the Guidelines.
At the highest level, security is a national and international concern. Hopefully all countries, including China, will approve these guidelines. Our school communities are comprised of our future generation and represent our future and best hope that civilization will be enhanced and catastrophe avoided.
Eugene Clark is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:
http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm
Li Li, who is an executive officer in the College of Comparative Law, China University of Political Science and Law, has contributed to this article.
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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