Sussex Chapter 93 Spring Street Suite 101 Newton, NJ 07860 www.sussexredcross.org	Contact: Lauren Gill Organization: American Red Cross Phone: 973-579-1600 Email: lgill@sussexredcross.org

Red Cross Congratulates New Instructor of International Humanitarian Law

Newton, NJ, August 30, 2010 — The Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross extends cheerful congratulations to local volunteer Debbie Haff for successfully completing the International Humanitarian Law Instructor Course (IHL). Mrs. Haff is now able to instruct others in presenting “Exploring Humanitarian Law” (EHL), an international educational program for young people. The aim of the program is to expose learners to the issues of humanitarian law and principles of respect for life and human dignity, ethical judgment, global citizenship, the protections of the Geneva Conventions and the role of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations in these endeavors.

The American Red Cross is mandated by the Geneva Conventions to build public understanding of the rules governing war, otherwise known as international humanitarian law, in order to protect human life and dignity. Since 2002, the Red Cross has addressed this responsibility with youth through a powerful program called Exploring Humanitarian Law, which offers a toolkit that educates students on the importance of ensuring the rights and protections of those impacted by war.

Following is an excerpt from the IHL Program description:

 “Most victims of war today neither wear a uniform nor carry a gun.  They are civilians-among the most vulnerable, including women, children and the elderly.  International humanitarian law exists to protect them during times of armed conflict, as well as wounded and sick combatants, and prisoners of war.  The treaties known as the Geneva Conventions and three protocols establish basic humanitarian protections for these groups and provide a universally agreed upon standard of humane treatment. “

Executive Director, Pat Day, said, “The International Humanitarian Law Instructor Course is one of the toughest courses offered through the Red Cross and Deb Haff is only the 2nd IHL instructor in the State of New Jersey”. Day added, “Deb is now certified to teach this course anywhere in the country.  We are certainly pleased to have her as a volunteer staff member at our chapter. With this training Deb will be able to help us meet one mandate of the Geneva Conventions which is to raise awareness about the Geneva Conventions, the basic rules of IHL, and the role of the Red Cross during armed conflict”.  We look forward to Deb teaching the course this fall at the chapter and to Sussex County’s professional high school and college educators.  Deb Haff said, “It’s such an interesting course, I’m excited to share all the information that I have learned with others here in Sussex County and around the country.”

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.sussexredcross.org or call our office at 973-579-1600.