Peoria, IL 6/3/14 — After having their passports confiscated, launching missile attacks in enemy territory and being judged by a war tribunal—all in one afternoon—local students from Bradley University started to look at war and conflict in a completely different way. Through a partnership with the American Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter, the students participated in the International
Humanitarian Law (IHL) Action Campaign and showed off what they learned through creating a simulation about child soldiers.
Now, their efforts are sending them to Washington, D.C.
This year’s IHL Action Campaign focused on child soldiers and international justice, and local students joined their counterparts across the country in creating projects that showcase how those around the world can maintain human dignity in times of conflict—a tall task for the average young adult. Bradley University was selected as one of the best campaigns, and as a result will compete nationally on June 5-8 at the National IHL Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, DC.
“For these students, putting themselves into the shoes of prisoners of war, military leaders and refugees really makes them think twice about how people should be treated during conflict,” said Anne Fox, CEO, American Red Cross Central Illinois Region.
Jeanie Bukowski, Associate Professor, Bradley University Institute of International Studies added, “I cannot begin to express just how proud I am of the Bradley Team. These young leaders went above and beyond even our highest expectations all year, in their passionate and knowledgeable campaign to raise awareness of child soldiers and IHL. They have indeed given a voice to the voiceless, and
Bradley’s campus owes them a debt of gratitude.”
Casmeer Reyes, Eileen Prescott, Victoria Berkow, and Grecia Ocampo, students at Bradley University, were selected, trained and supported by the Central Illinois Chapter as IHL Action Campaign Team Leaders. They spent the past academic year educating their peers about IHL rules, principles and values. They were also the lead in planning the group’s campaign. They facilitated hands-on, interactive sessions that had the teens playing the roles of captor and captive, leader and civilian and ultimately being “tried” for their actions at a tribunal. After discussing their experiences, these determined learners put their creativity to the test and, in the process, educated others on what they had learned through their campaigns.
The promotion of human dignity during times of armed conflict—including protections for civilians, wounded and sick combatants and prisoners of war—is at the cornerstone of IHL and at the heart of the Red Cross mission. The campaign engages youth on exactly this issue, teaching that “even wars have limits.” This is the first year Bradley University has participated in this program.
To learn more about the Red Cross youth programs, or how you can get involved, contact Monica Grugett at monica.grugett@redcross.org or visit redcross.org/rulesofwar.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters;
supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.