The 2025 Winter Camp on International Humanitarian Law has taken place
As part of its efforts to disseminate knowledge about international humanitarian law (IHL), the Ukrainian Red Cross organised the Winter Camp in Bila Tserkva. The event, which took place from 31 January to 2 February 2025, brought together 39 volunteers, IHL trainers, lawyers, and university lecturers. Over the course of three days, the participants studied, shared experiences, and discussed current challenges related to violations of international humanitarian law during the war in Ukraine.
Organised with the support of the Danish Red Cross, the event aimed to enhance the competencies of Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers and trainers, strengthen cooperation, and unite efforts. In addition to training modules on international humanitarian law, the programme included a seminar on the use and protection of the Red Cross emblem in Ukraine, as well as leadership and time management training sessions. The theoretical sessions were complemented with interactive training methods and group work to reinforce the knowledge and skills acquired.
The Importance of Complying with IHL and Liability for Violations
International humanitarian law is a branch of law that establishes rules for the conduct of armed conflicts, aiming to limit violence in war. IHL is based on international agreements concerning the Protection of War Victims, particularly the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols. Ukraine, like most other countries, has signed these agreements, committing itself to incorporating international humanitarian law into national legislation and ensuring its observance. It is important to note that the Russian Federation is also a signatory to the Geneva Conventions. However, this has not prevented the aggressor country from systematically violating their provisions.
The main focus of the Ukrainian Red Cross Winter Camp on International Humanitarian Law was a detailed study of the core principles of IHL, along with an analysis of cases involving violations of IHL during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The camp also covered the legal definition of war crimes and the process of prosecuting those responsible for committing them.
In his welcoming address, Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, emphasised that the organisation continues to work systematically to disseminate knowledge on IHL and actively engage young people and volunteers in both national and international projects.
During the training, the participants reviewed and discussed the following topics:
- The basic principles of international humanitarian law
- The main categories of international humanitarian law
- Principles of warfare
- Protection of civilians during armed conflict
- Safety in wartime
- Distinctive emblems and signs
- State and individual responsibility for war crimes
In addition to the main programme, participants gained valuable insights into the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the rules for using and protecting the Red Cross emblem, and developed leadership and time management skills. This knowledge will enhance the effectiveness of their awareness-raising activities and strengthen joint efforts to promote international humanitarian law in Ukraine.
