Training on International Humanitarian Law for the Obolon District State Administration in Kyiv

The Ukrainian Red Cross specialists conducted a training session on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for employees of the Obolon District State Administration in Kyiv. The event, held on 30 January 2025, was attended by over 70 civil servants. The training programme also included an introduction to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and a first aid workshop.

The purpose of this training was to raise awareness of the basics of international humanitarian law. This knowledge is especially important for government representatives who interact daily with the population affected by the war. Understanding international humanitarian law, which is applied during armed conflicts, will enable them to provide more effective assistance to Ukrainian citizens.

During the training, Ukrainian Red Cross volunteer trainer Khrystyna Duda provided a detailed explanation of the basic rules and principles of IHL, which are designed to protect civilians during times of war. The key international sources in this field, as well as national legislation, were reviewed. Special attention was given to the responsibility for serious violations of IHL, defined by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court as war crimes.

The training provided by the Ukrainian Red Cross enhanced the competence of civil servants in the field of IHL, enabling them to offer more effective assistance to the population by applying the knowledge and skills they have gained in practice.