Training on International Humanitarian Law for the Teaching Staff of Kyiv Lyceum

International humanitarian law (IHL) governs the protection of victims of war during armed conflicts and places restrictions on the methods and means of warfare. This is why it is so important to be familiar with its fundamental rules and principles, especially for teachers who can pass this knowledge on to the younger generation. The Ukrainian Red Cross actively collaborates with educators, and on this occasion, has organised specialised training for the teaching staff at V.M. Molchanov Lyceum No. 38.

Why is it important for teachers to understand international humanitarian law?

Ukraine is one of the many civilised states that are signatories to the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which form the foundation of international humanitarian law. It has also ratified the Rome Statute, an international treaty established by the International Criminal Court. During the training, participants had the opportunity to learn about the content of these documents, the history of IHL, and its core principles.

The Ukrainian Red Cross volunteer trainer Khrystyna Duda discussed:

• The principle of distinction between civilians and combatants.
• The principle of distinction between civilian objects and military objectives.
• The principle of proportionality in an attack.

Given that the teachers will pass on the knowledge they have gained to their students, the training programme included practical exercises and simulations to help them better absorb the material. Additionally, the programme provided an introduction to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including a presentation of its symbols, organisational structure, and the tasks of its components.

Thanks to the training, the lyceum’s teaching staff acquired knowledge of international rules and norms designed to protect human life, health, and dignity during wartime. They also acquired practical skills in teaching international humanitarian law to students, which will undoubtedly raise their awareness of human and child rights during armed conflict. The training concluded with a masterclass on first aid from a professional instructor of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

The training also helped strengthen relations with Kyiv educators and consolidate efforts to spread knowledge about international humanitarian law. The organisers reached an agreement to continue cooperation with other educational institutions in Kyiv.