Key Highlights of Activities in the Field of International Humanitarian Law in 2024

International humanitarian law (IHL) is a branch of law that establishes rules for the conduct of armed conflicts, aiming to limit violence during wartime. IHL regulates relations between states to protect victims of war and to restrict the means and methods of warfare during armed conflicts.

In line with its statutory duties to disseminate knowledge of international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of distinctive emblems, the Ukrainian Red Cross has continued its systematic efforts in this area. This final report for 2024 provides an overview of the most significant outcomes of these activities, along with key statistical indicators.

IHL Activities at the National Level

Disseminating knowledge of international humanitarian law in Ukraine is a priority for the Ukrainian Red Cross. As part of its efforts to fulfil this objective, specialists from the IHL Unit achieved the following results:

• 42 training events on international humanitarian law were organised.
• 2,180 participants attended trainings, seminars, and information sessions.
• 260,000 people were reached through IHL publications on the Ukrainian Red Cross’s own social media platforms and official website.
• 33 expert articles on international humanitarian law were published on the website, with an additional 11 articles featured in external media.
• The All-Ukrainian Competition on International Humanitarian Law was held for students.
• Together with its partners, the international conference “Limiting Violence: 75 Years of the Geneva Conventions for the Protection of War Victims” was held.
• The Ukrainian Red Cross participated in 5 working meetings of the Interagency Commission for the Implementation of IHL, providing expert and technical assistance to government agencies.
• In collaboration with the State Service of Ukraine for Children, a forum dedicated to World Children’s Day, “Interregional Dialogue: A Happy Child in a Caring Family”, was organised.
• In partnership with the French Red Cross, 5 specialised training sessions on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence were organised and conducted.
• The Voluntary Report of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine on International Humanitarian Law was presented.
• A press briefing by the President of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society on the protection of the Red Cross emblem was organised and held.
• More than 50 cases of misuse of the Red Cross emblem were identified. Of these, 32 cases were resolved, and the remaining cases are in the process of being resolved.

Participants in the events included civil servants, prosecutors, judges, investigators, journalists, educators, students, schoolchildren, academics, representatives of the security and defence sector, as well as staff and volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

International Activities in the Field of IHL

In addition to fulfilling its responsibilities at the national level, the Ukrainian Red Cross is actively engaged in international projects, collaborating with foreign National Societies and global partners. Key activities in 2024 included:

• An international transatlantic campaign, #ProtectEmblems, to protect the Red Cross emblem, with participation from over 10 countries (resulting in approximately 3,500 reactions and 300 reposts of publications).
• A visit to Denmark and an exchange of experiences with Danish Red Cross volunteers for the first time in 5 years, with 8 URCS volunteers participating.
• Coordination of the Ukrainian government delegation’s participation at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Two side events were organised at the 34th International Conference in Geneva:

– The Importance of Respecting and Protecting the Red Cross Emblem (120 participants);

– Presentation of the Voluntary Report of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine on International Humanitarian Law (55 participants).

• Continued active participation in the work of the European Legal Advisory Group, which brings together National Red Cross Societies from various countries.

Development and Production of Information Materials

An important aspect of activity for the Ukrainian Red Cross is the development and publication of information and educational materials on international humanitarian law and the protection of the Red Cross emblem in Ukraine, as well as their effective distribution. Key achievements in 2024 include:

• The Voluntary Report on International Humanitarian Law was prepared and published in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
• The Collection of Key Sources on the Use and Protection of the Red Cross Emblem in Ukraine was prepared and published.
• Over 10 information banners on international humanitarian law and thousands of handouts (leaflets, booklets, brochures) were designed and produced.

Specialists from the IHL Unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross continue their fruitful efforts in disseminating knowledge about international humanitarian law and protecting distinctive emblems in Ukraine. As part of its statutory duties, comprehensive support is provided to state authorities, and training events and information campaigns are organised. The consolidation of joint efforts in this area enhances legal awareness among Ukrainian citizens and contributes to the restoration of justice for victims of war.