Geneva, Friday, 8 June 2007, 9 am, the "Raid Cross" competition kicked off on Promenade Saint-Antoine! For an hour, 150 students from Genevan schools took on the role of humanitarian, civilian or solider, led by Genevan Red Cross facilitators.
"It is for real; enemies are above all human beings," excited students tell us. "We have talked about the history of the Red Cross and humanitarian work and we have visited the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. One of this year’s themes was humanitarian organisations, and this rounds off the subject nicely," remarks their teacher enthusiastically.
"Raid Cross" is a role play game designed to raise awareness about international humanitarian law and aimed at young people aged 12 to 18. The game is played by going round different posts situated in a country at war. During the game, the players encounter various aspects of the same conflict, helping them to understand humanitarian issues, the difficulties of life in conflict situations and the rules that govern extreme situations. It is also a powerful tool for stimulating reflection on human behaviour.
"Teaching international humanitarian law is one of the missions of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies," says Gisèle, who is in charge of the game. "Violence is all around us and we see it everyday on TV. Through this game, I can understand current events in the news and gain a different view of war," is the encouraging comment of one of the facilitators specially trained in the game, all of whom have a strong commitment and deep humanitarian convictions.
Passers-by were not left out of the game. They were converted into soldiers, whose job was to shoot at civilian or military targets. Respect for the principle of distinction and the protection of civilians is a crucial issue in conflicts today. This principle was the main objective of Protocols I and II additional to the Geneva Conventions, the 30th anniversary of which the Red Cross is celebrating this year.
Laurent Moutinot, the Vice-President of the cantonal State Council honoured us with his presence and remarked that he was very impressed by the commitment shown by the young people playing the game and those who were leading it. "Learning through role play is much more stimulating than a dull lesson on legal texts," concluded Roger Mayou, Director of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, on whose initiative the event was held.
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