Joint Workshop of IHL and ERT of the Ukrainian Red Cross
Representatives from the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Emergency Response Teams (ERT) of the Ukrainian Red Cross participated in a joint event. The aim of the event was to consolidate efforts to enhance efficiency, deepen cooperation, and plan further collaboration. The workshop, which brought together IHL staff, trainers, and volunteers from across Ukraine, took place last week in Kyiv. Over the course of two days, participants shared experiences, discussed relevant issues, and gained valuable knowledge.
Cooperation between IHL and ERT of the Ukrainian Red Cross
The dissemination of knowledge on international humanitarian law and the work of emergency response teams are statutory activities of the Ukrainian Red Cross. Both are integral to assisting victims of war, from both a legal and practical perspective. This cooperation will help address a wider range of needs within the units, enlist local support, and increase the effectiveness of joint efforts.
During the workshop, trainers and representatives from the IHL Unit shared their experience and knowledge of international humanitarian law, which outlines the rules of armed conflict and seeks to limit violence. They also reviewed in detail the national legislation that regulates and protects the activities of those providing assistance to victims. In turn, volunteers and staff from the ERT shared their practical experience in responding to emergencies, the particularities of providing assistance in such situations, and the correct course of action to follow.
During a brainstorming session between IHL and ERT volunteers on further cooperation, specific needs and requests for mutual assistance were identified. For representatives of the International Humanitarian Law Unit, the following were considered particularly important:
- Practical case studies from the emergency response teams.
- Training on the correct course of action during emergencies.
- Provision of information materials about the activities of the emergency response teams for distribution (e.g., booklets, leaflets).
- Establishing general coordination between the IHL and ERT units.
In turn, the most urgent requests from the emergency response teams were:
- Training volunteers on the legal basis of ERT activities, both under national legislation and international humanitarian law.
- Providing information materials on IHL and the protection of Red Cross symbols (e.g., booklets, leaflets, literature).
- Assistance in organising and involving IHL trainers in educational and awareness-raising events of the ERT; expert legal support for the activities of the emergency response teams.
The event, which brought together IHL experts and the Ukrainian Red Cross ERT, laid the foundation for deepening cooperation, facilitated a better understanding of each other’s needs, and outlined the direction for further development through joint interaction.
