International Humanitarian Law, a set of rules that seeks to limit the impact of armed conflict, now has a chapter on campus with the IHL Youth Action Campaign. 

“We thought it was relevant to start IHL because of the world events going on right now with tensions between China and Taiwan as well as the Russia-Ukraine Conflict,” Red Cross president, junior Siva Epuri said. 

IHL seeks to provide students with a platform to freely practice communication skills and advocacy work. 

“An advocate is an individual who strives to raise awareness about the law. As the primary event advocate for North Texas Team #7,” advocate, junior Rishita Agarwal said. “I have found the experience to be immensely enjoyable, and bringing events to life has been truly gratifying; IHL showed me a greater understanding of societal problems.”

Members can earn service hours through the club, but it can also help students gain a deeper understanding of what’s happening in the world. 

“I chose IHL as it is a great way to earn numerous service hours by improving my leadership and communication skills,” sophomore Shreshta Kotha said. “It’s easy to earn these hours and that time is put towards supporting a greater cause, it helps me think not only at a generic level but also at different perspectives of different groups when viewing the issue or topic.” 

Beyond trying to help students understand the impact of armed conflict, IHL also provides other opportunities to students including campaigns, fundraisers, summits, and many more. 

“Outstanding advocates will be able to apply to attend the IHL Summit at the end of the year in which they will earn a free trip to Washington DC,” Epuri said. “In the summit, they will be able to have a tour around the major landmarks in the area, network with fellow advocates who are passionate about IHL all around the world, lawyers, and Red Cross executives.”

IHL is best for you as when you participate, you get volunteer opportunities and learn a lot about other countries and cultures.

“It’s honestly such a great experience and by being a part of it last year, I was able to meet people as far away as Japan and learn about IHL more in-depth,” Epuri said. “I definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to be more aware of world events, improve their public speaking  and event management skills, or for someone who’s interested in pursuing a career pertaining to law or policy in the future.”

Even if new campaigns have ended for this year, Red Cross still holds meetings regarding IHL, team presentations about humanitarian law, and more information on how to join the IHL teams next year. To learn more about their meetings join the Red Cross remind: @lhsredcross.