The use of nuclear weapons leads to human suffering and weakens global economies, Prof. Yinka Olomojobi, has said.
He spoke during the presentation of his book, Armed Conflict: The Convergence Between International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law, in Lagos.
He said there was the need to avoid war and conflicts because of the danger they present to the society.
Olomojobi spoke about the criteria that should be met, for countries to develop nuclear weapons, including putting a check on corruption and entrenching sound governance within the polity.
He reiterated the danger of leaving nuclear weapons in the hands of corruption-ridden countries. He said such practice would expose the world to great danger and advanced economies always take steps to prevent such scenarios.
He stated the benefits of peace to the domestic and global economy, insisting that it is in time of peace that nations prosper.
He kicked against war and conflicts, saying they bring danger to the society. He said the use of nuclear weapon will cause human suffering and distabilise global economies.
Olomojobi read the book to the guests who came from various parts of the country to witness the launch.
He paused intermittently to explain the rationale behind each chapter, and how they affect humanity and economies.
He also explained the interplay of international politics leading to nuclear weapons deployment, and how Western countries continued to put poorer nations under check.
The 505-page book published by Princeton & Associates Publishing Co. Limited, has 11 chapters.
The first Chapter entitled: Between International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law, insisted that it is only through historical analysis that it is possible comprehend the important connection between International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.
The last chapter entitled: Political Conflict in Central African Republic: Humanitarian Crises and Human Rights Violations described the Central African Republic as one of the poorest states in the world, but potentially the richest in the world.
The country has been characterised by coups and two catastrophic civil wars due to its complex ethnic and religious construction.
The author described human rights and international humanitarian law (IHL) are complex subject matters, as they are interwoven and at the same time belong to different sets of legal regimes. Human rights law has been an effective legal regime and has made substantial progress of development since 1945.
“The main challenge of human rights law is that it has constantly been violated during armed conflicts. Universal standards of human rights law are seldomly adopted during armed hostilities, even though death and destruction are direct consequences of these conflicts; it is IHL that regulates the rules on how wars can be fought,” Olomojobi wrote.
“International humanitarian law is a system of law that aims to cushion the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons. This is achieved by placing restrictions on how war is waged, and protecting the rights of those who are not currently or have ceased to be directly or actively engaged in hostilities. International humanitarian law is also commonly known as ‘the law of war’ or “the law of armed conflict,” he stated.
Perhaps even more fundamental, is that the rationale behind IHL is its human application, unlike human rights law which is of general application. What is particularly significant about IHL is that it is precise. It may be regarded as the ‘Queensbury rules’ of war.
He said that it has become increasingly difficult to demarcate the lines between IHL and international human rights law (IHRL).
“What is important to realise is that IHL is traditionally considered separate from IHRL, even though the two legal disciplines frequently overlap. Thus, there is a convergence between the two bodies of law.
Therefore, this book aims at throwing more light on the argument that IHRL and IHL are complementary and are not fixated under any strict rules of compartmentalisation,” he wrote in the preface.
Chairman of the occasion and CEO, Adron Homes & Properties, Aare Ademola Emmanuel King, said the book was a result of several years of research.
He said: “A lot of work and nights of studies were put to work to write and publish this book which will be a reference point now, and in several years to come. The book is a great addition to the legal world. Having the book will do the society a great good.”
King said many people who do not know the author, would because of the book, get to know him, and interplay with his mind.
Attorney-General, Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) described the book as good. He said: “This book is a job well done. I will also have the opportunity to attend the next publication”.
One of the guests, Kemi Osunde, commended the author for having the ability to put his thoughts together in the book.
She said: “People will remember the amount of time and energy put into this book and read it. I urge you to keep impacting knowledge on people”.
According to her, as people apply what they read to their daily, the society will be better for it.
Koko described the author as a very brilliant professor, with passion for excellence.
