Local Youth can participate in interactive, war simulation game to explore the practice of International Humanitarian Law

On June 7, 2013, the American Red Cross in the National Capitol Region will be hosting Raid Cross. You may be wondering, “What is Raid Cross?” Raid Cross is an interactive, war simulation game that demonstrates the practice of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) during an armed conflict. The game is presented as a course linking various “posts,” situated in a country at war. At each post, the players are confronted with a different aspect of the conflict such as obligation to the wounded, distinction between civilians and combatants, and tending to all wounded soldiers. To deal with it, they take on successively the roles of civilians, soldiers and humanitarian workers.

The Raid Cross activity uses International Humanitarian Law as an instrument for encouraging more extensive thought about human behavior. Its emphasis is on the protection of life and human dignity in wartime and, more generally, in all the experiences of daily life. Why is IHL so important? Respect for IHL can help contain the escalation of violence, as well as the destruction and suffering caused by armed conflict. It can also promote a return to peaceful means of resolving conflicts that prevent unnecessary suffering and preserve human dignity.

Adolescents are constantly bombarded by violence whether it is through the media, teaching, and literature or in video games and movies. The purpose of Raid Cross is to make these adolescents aware of the reality of armed conflict and humanitarian action, thereby giving them the tools to interpret events, the news, and violence in general.

The event will be held at South Run Park in Springfield, VA form 8 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.  If you are interested in International Humanitarian Law or want to learn you won't want to miss this event!

Register Here!

For more information, contact Erin VanGorder at erin.vangorder@redcross.org or Nick Alasomuka at nick.alasomuka@redcross.org.