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“It is essential to understand and respect the
rule of law because that defines what we are about as
a nation and the leader of the free world. When others
do not respect or follow the law, it is even more important
that we remember who we are and what we stand for as
a country. The American Red Cross EHL program helps
young people understand not only what is legal, but
also what is right.”
~ Brigadier General Patrick Finnegan, Dean
of the Academic Board, US Military Academy at West Point
The American Red Cross of
the Mohawk Valley is pleased to be
partnering with the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for
Refugees and the Mohawk Valley Teacher Centers to bring
the Exploring Humanitarian Law program to the region.
Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL) is an international
education program, aligned with national social studies
standards, created by the International Committee of
the Red Cross as a tool for teaching youth about respect
for human life and dignity, ethical judgment, global
citizenship, the protections of the Geneva Conventions
and the role of the Red Cross and other humanitarian
organizations through the lens of international humanitarian
law (IHL).
The learning materials, based both on historical and
contemporary situations, show how the laws of war aim
to protect life and human dignity during armed conflict
and reduce and prevent the suffering and destruction
that result from war.
The materials expose students to IHL by
exploring ethical and humanitarian issues arising from
armed conflict. EHL aims to foster in students an awareness
of the necessity of humanitarian norms, an understanding
of different perspectives, and an interest and responsible
involvement in local and international events.
EHL is not explicitly concerned with peace,
tolerance, mutual understanding, prevention of violence
or conflict resolution. It emphasizes the positive changes
in attitude that can evolve from the ideas of respect
for life and human dignity, civic responsibility, and
solidarity. Thus, EHL can be incorporated in a wide
range of different subject areas that fall under the
broad heading of citizenship education.
While often used by social studies teachers,
the content of EHL has links to all subject areas. Its
teaching methods reinforce many important academic and
life skills such as communication, disagreeing respectfully,
reasoning, research, problem-solving and critical thinking.
Learn more about
EHL by visting www.ehl.icrc.org
Please contact the Chapter by calling 315-866-2890,
315-336-0030 or
315-733-4666.
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