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UPIIS and ICRC hold another round of Certificate Course on IHL and Islamic Law

The similarities between International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Islamic Law are not coincidental. They stem from universal ideals and shared principles, emphasizing the importance of fostering a deeper understanding and effective implementation of these laws.

UP Diliman (UPD) Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II highlighted this point in his message during the welcoming dinner of the three-day certificate course on International Humanitarian Law and Islamic Law related to Armed Conflict (Siyar). He remarked, “I believe this [certificate course] serves as a significant point of convergence and understanding because International Humanitarian Laws are universal. They embody excellent values and principles to comprehend and appreciate, irrespective of our beliefs. What unites all these IHL principles is our shared commitment to human dignity, a value cherished by all.”

UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UPIIS) Dean Professor Julkipli M. Wadi further emphasized the program’s importance. According to him, “It has a rich discipline in Islamic law, referred to as Siyar. It is timely not only in the Philippines but also in other countries, where numerous communities require intervention, especially from human rights groups and humanitarian missions and institutions.”

In light of this, UPIIS is firmly committed to continuing its partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the implementation of the certificate course. This collaboration further reinforces the Institute’s mission to support the Muslim Ummah and, importantly, contributes to UP’s commitment to public service.

Mr. Dany Merhy, Head of Prevention of ICRC Philippines, underscored the significance of achieving these objectives in his opening speech. He emphasized that “dialogue, especially between humanitarian organizations and religious leaders, can establish a solid common ground and convey powerful messages to communities, armed carriers , and decision-makers.”

 

These objectives were further addressed through a series of lectures and activities led by resource speakers from both UPIIS and ICRC during this year’s certificate course, held from September 19 to September 21, 2023, at the Oblation Lounge, University Hotel, UP Diliman, Quezon City. This extension project aims to promote understanding and knowledge of the rules of IHL and Islamic Law, particularly those relevant to armed conflict, and to explore their compatibility. It also provides participants with an opportunity to engage in discourse, deepening their collaboration in safeguarding the lives and dignity of victims of armed violence.

Throughout the course, various speakers from UPIIS and ICRC covered topics such as ICRC’s mission in the Philippines, dialogue on IHL and Islamic Law, International Islamic Law, the Islamic Law of War (“Siyar”), and the relationship between IHL and Human Rights Law. Additional lectures addressed conflict classification, protection of individuals and objects under IHL, preserving dignity for the deceased, combating sexual violence, and the protection of detainees and prisoners of war in Islamic Law of War.

The final day of the course focused on humanitarian law and assistance initiatives by Muslim institutions in the Philippines. Topics included 

healthcare worker protection, ICRC healthcare initiatives, conflicts in the Bangsamoro region, contemporary challenges in implementing IHL, and engaging with decision-makers on IHL and Islamic Law. It concluded with a group discussion moderated by Prof. Darwin Absari, UPIIS faculty, allowing participants to express their thoughts and insights on effectively engaging with decision-makers on IHL and Islamic Law related to armed conflict. Among the major recommendations put forth by the participants was the continuous conduct of certificate courses with longer durations and broader participation, including non-Muslims.

This year’s certificate course drew twenty-five participants from various regions, including Davao, Cotabato, Basilan, Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Cebu, Butuan, and Manila. Participants represented government organizations, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, academia, non-governmental organizations, various BARMM agencies, non-state actors, Islamic scholars, and the revert Muslim movement.

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Application for the 2nd Semester of AY 2022-2023 is now open

Application for MA Islamic Studies for the Second Semester of AY 2022-2023 is now open!

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. PSA Birth Certificate
  2. Official Transcript of Records (TOR)
  3. Honorable Dismissal
  4. Application Letter Address to Dean Julkipli M. Wadi
  5. Two (2) Recommendation Letters from former Professor or Employer
  6. Two (2) 2×2 photos
  7. Marriage Contract (for married women)

Note: Please email your inquiries and submit all scanned documents to iis@up.edu.ph and djroldan@up.edu.ph.

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Congratulations to Dr. Nassef Manabilang Adiong, UP Scientist III

The UP Institute of Islamic Studies congratulates Dr Nassef Manabilang Adiong for conferring the title “UP Scientist” under the highest rank of Scientist III of the University of the Philippines’ Scientific Productivity System.

Dr. Adiong, an Associate Professor V of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies who is now serving the Bangsamoro Parliament’s Policy Research and Legal Services, was among the 53 newly appointed UP Scientists (with only three obtaining the highest Scientist III rank) during the 1365th Meeting of UP Board of Regents last 04 November 2021. There were additional 53 former UP Scientists who were renewed of their conferment totaling at 106 UP Scientists for batch 2020-2022. The UP Scientific Productivity System (SPS) was established by the Board of Regents on August 2005 to support the development of science and technology and to encourage and reward scientific productivity. Since its inception, the University has already appointed 346 UP Scientists.

With more than 50 academic publications in various platforms, 25 academic grants, 20 awards (UP Scientist III, UP Centennial Professorial Chair, PUP Professorial Chair, The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines, UE Most Outstanding Alumnus, among others), 14 scholarships, 6 fellowships, 6 consultancies, and numerous researches, the stellar career of Dr Nassef Manabilang Adiong—whose at his mid-30s presently—is truly an inspiration.

Shepherding towards reforms in the political economy of world’s knowledge systems conveniently lenient to Western canons, he founded three research organizations, five book series, and one scholarly journal to provide impetus to marginalized plurality of intellectual voices. His recognition extends beyond the Philippine soil as he was elected as member-at-large officer at ISA Asia-Pacific Region in 2021, governing board officer at the World International Studies Committee in 2020, and Asia representative at the ISA Global South Caucus in 2018.

To know more about Dr Nassef Manabilang Adiong, read here: https://nassef.info/