MILF: Geneva call invites MILF to armed non-state actors meeting

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 2): Geneva call invites MILF to armed non-state actors meeting



Geneva Call through its Program Manager, Mr. Chris Rush invited the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to the meeting of Armed Non-State Actors (ANSAs) in Geneva last November 22-24, 2016, where two officers of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) namely, Toks Ebrahim and Dr.  Parido Pigkaulan represented the Moro Front.

Geneva Call is one of the leading neutral non-government organizations that engages armed non-state actors towards respect of international humanitarian norms, in particular those related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

International law provides special protection for children in times of armed conflict.  It prohibits the recruitment of children and their use in hostilities, provides provision for children’s rights to basic needs and education.

Along this line, the Geneva Call, with its mechanism- Deed of Commitment for the Protection of Children from the Effects of Armed Conflict allows signatory ANSAs for they cannot become parties to international treaties.

In 2009, the MILF represented by BIAF Chief of Staff Sammy Al-Mansoor signed an action plan with the United Nations   ensuring that children affected by armed conflict are protected.

The first stage of the action plan is the appointment by the MILF of a five-member panel tasked to take charge of the interaction with the UN and UNICEF. One of the members is Architect Edward Guerra.

In this year’s meeting of ANSAs, the presentation of MILF representatives Toks Ebrahim and Parido Pigkaulan has received applause from participants and facilitators.  MILF was acknowledged for having complied with the Deed of Commitment and implemented the Action Plan.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/76-international/984-geneva-call-invites-milf-to-armed-non-state-actors-meeting