International Conference on IHL Organised by the National Guard with the Support of the Ukrainian Red Cross

On 6 February 2025, the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Red Cross, hosted an international conference on International Humanitarian Law and the Fundamentals of Security in Armed Conflict. IHL trainers and representatives from the Department of Humanitarian Access and Protection of the Ukrainian Red Cross participated in the panel discussions.

The main topic of discussion was the violation of international humanitarian law (IHL) during the Russian-Ukrainian war, a branch of law that sets the rules for armed conflict. Representatives from state scientific, law enforcement and defence agencies had the opportunity to share their perspectives, exchange experiences, and offer constructive suggestions. The event also included the presentation of the Terminology Dictionary of International Humanitarian Law, published by the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard of Ukraine with the support of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Challenges in Implementing International Humanitarian Law

The primary objective of IHL is to protect individuals who are not taking a direct part in hostilities, as well as those who have ceased to participate due to injury, illness, or any other reason. This protection is extended to all individuals, regardless of their race, skin colour, political, religious or other beliefs, gender, ethnic or social background, property, place of residence, language, or any other status. Unfortunately, during the war in Ukraine, the principles of IHL have been systematically violated. Nevertheless, they remain the fundamental basis for ensuring the protection of victims of armed conflict.

The programme of the event addressed the key issues, challenges, and problems faced by Ukraine’s armed forces and civilians during the war. Specifically, the following topics were discussed during two panel discussions:

Global challenges to IHL compliance, effective strategies, and future steps.
International humanitarian law: issues of legitimacy and implementation.
Voluntary reports as a tool for states to report on the implementation of IHL.
Approaches to implementing IHL within the National Guard of Ukraine’s activities.
The role of NGOs in upholding international humanitarian law during armed conflict.
Activities of the Ukrainian Red Cross in the field of IHL.
Current issues of international cooperation in IHL training for the security and defence sector.
Dissemination of international humanitarian law through educational processes.
International humanitarian law during wartime in the context of national historical memory.
Activities of the Ukrainian Red Cross concerning humanitarian access and mine safety.
The obligation to assess new weapon types for compliance with international law and the establishment of a mechanism for its implementation in Ukraine.
Countering cybercrime: modern approaches and prospects for implementing the UN General Assembly Convention of 24 December 2024.
The prohibition of repeated strikes on enemy objects (outside the line of combat) within a reasonable time in order to allow first responders to conduct rescue operations.
Specifics of providing medical care during wartime.

Ensuring the implementation of international humanitarian law requires the consolidation of joint efforts at both the national and international levels. This is why organising a specialised conference in Ukraine was a crucial step towards achieving this goal.

“Summing up the results of the conference, we share a common view on the need to further strengthen international cooperation, improve legal mechanisms for the protection of civilians, and develop new approaches to ensuring security in conflict zones. The next steps should include intensifying interaction between state and international institutions, developing recommendations to strengthen legal regulation, and creating platforms for the exchange of experiences, coordination of actions, and further cooperation between the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Red Cross,” said Oleksii Voluiko, Head of the Department of Legal Support and Law Enforcement at the Faculty of State Security of the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard of Ukraine.

Svitlana Avramenko, Head of the Humanitarian Access and Protection Department of the Ukrainian Red Cross, also emphasised the importance of conducting such activities in close cooperation with government agencies:

“Adherence to international humanitarian law forms the foundation for many aspects of social and humanitarian work, including mine action. Strengthening cooperation with government officials, young professionals, and the scientific community is key to further protecting civilians from explosive remnants of war and creating conditions for the sustainable development of the country.”

The Ukrainian Red Cross continues to support key initiatives aimed at disseminating knowledge of international humanitarian law, both nationally and internationally, assisting the state in implementing its principles to protect war victims and restore justice for those affected. We would like to thank the British Red Cross and the Danish Red Cross for their support in organising the event.