during a “Raid Cross” simulation hosted by the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees.
In an effort to raise awareness about international humanitarian law and the laws of conflict, the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees held a “Raid Cross” simulation for students from the University of Michigan Tuesday, March 1, as part of their alternative spring break program.
“Raid Cross” is a role-playing simulation activity designed by the French and Belgian Red Cross that helps young people understand the basic rules of IHL and recognize that even war has limits. Students explored the humanitarian issues involved in armed conflict, the basic rules of IHL – such as preventing harm to civilians and the importance of these rules in conflict situations.
During the seven-hour simulation, participants played the roles of civilians, soldiers, prisoners of war and humanitarian aid workers. By taking on different roles, participants were able to experience conflict situations from several key perspectives.
“The Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees is pleased to be able to partner with the Red Cross to offer programs that encourage people to think critically about international humanitarian law,” said MVRCR Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Cieslewitz. “By focusing on the protection of life and human dignity in wartime, we hope to educate people about the basic rules of war and build respect for IHL especially among the next generation.”
“We are so pleased to work with the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees to offer programs like ‘Raid Cross’,” said Mallory Scheve, executive director for the American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley. “Respect for IHL can help contain escalations of violence and hopefully limit the destruction and suffering caused by armed conflict. Partnerships like this help to fulfill the Red Cross mission not only in our community but around the world.”
The simulation project was a collaborative effort of the Mohawk Valley and Central New York chapters of the American Red Cross. To learn more about the Red Cross and International Humanitarian Law, visit www.redcross.org/humanityinwar or contact your local Red Cross Chapter.