Dubai Judicial Institute Celebrates Graduation of First Cohort of ‘International Humanitarian Law’ Program in Collaboration with Ministry of Defence and ICRC

Education

Dubai Judicial Institute Celebrates Graduation of First Cohort of ‘International Humanitarian Law’ Program in Collaboration with Ministry of Defence and ICRC

The Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI) celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of its ‘International Humanitarian Law’ program, a pioneering initiative designed specifically for personnel from the UAE Ministry of Defence. The program, developed in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marks the first formally accredited course of its kind in the UAE, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to promoting humanitarian principles and upholding international legal standards.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including H.E. Major General Obaid Saif Al Ketbi, Chief of Military Justice at the Ministry of Defence; H.E. Counsellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of the Dubai Judicial Institute; H.E. Judge Dr. Ebtessam Ali Al Bedwawi, Director General of DJI; and Valentina Bernasconi, Head of Mission for the ICRC in the UAE, alongside senior officials and representatives from partner organisations.

Strengthening Legal and Humanitarian Competence

The graduation marked the completion of a rigorous academic and practical training journey for ten participants. The program covered the principles governing armed conflicts, international treaties, and mechanisms for protecting individuals and restricting methods of warfare.

It also focused on developing analytical skills for conflict assessment, fostering compliance with humanitarian law, and promoting the protection of civilians and combatants in accordance with international treaties such as the Geneva Conventions.

H.E. Judge Dr. Ebtessam Ali Al Bedwawi emphasized the program’s role in advancing national capabilities and fostering legal excellence:

“This milestone reflects our strategic vision to develop specialised, accredited training programs that strengthen awareness of humanitarian law across military and civil institutions. The collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the ICRC reinforces our shared commitment to ensuring that humanitarian principles remain at the core of our legal and institutional frameworks.”

A Strategic Partnership for Global Standards

The International Humanitarian Law Program represents a cornerstone of cooperation between DJI, the Ministry of Defence, and the ICRC, focusing on expanding the UAE’s leadership in international legal education and humanitarian advocacy.

By embedding international humanitarian law into training for defence personnel, the program seeks to create a sustainable framework of accountability, respect for human dignity, and lawful conduct during armed conflicts—all in line with UAE Vision 2031 and the nation’s role in promoting peace and justice globally.

Building a Knowledge-Based Legal Culture

The initiative aligns with DJI’s broader mission to cultivate competent legal professionals and military experts equipped to address complex humanitarian challenges. The program underscores the UAE’s ongoing efforts to build a knowledge-based society grounded in the rule of law, human rights, and responsible governance.

As the first cohort graduates, DJI reaffirmed its intent to expand the program in future cycles, further enhancing national expertise in humanitarian law and contributing to global discussions on conflict resolution and humanitarian protection.