The IHL Summer School by the Ukrainian Red Cross has kicked off

The 2025 Summer School on International Humanitarian Law (IHL Summer School), a flagship initiative of the Ukrainian Red Cross, has officially begun. This year, over 60 representatives from state authorities, including members of the Interdepartmental Commission on the Application and Implementation of International Humanitarian Law, as well as foreign delegates, are taking part in the event.

The Summer School aims to provide an in-depth study of the fundamentals of international humanitarian law (IHL) and its practical application in the work of civil servants. It enables participants to deepen their understanding of IHL and equips them to apply this knowledge effectively, particularly in protecting war victims and delivering appropriate assistance to those affected. The initiative also supports the development of national policies for the implementation of international humanitarian law.

This year, the Ukrainian Red Cross IHL Summer School brought together a record number of representatives from across the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Among the delegates were representatives from the Danish Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, Finnish Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, British Red Cross, Lithuanian Red Cross, and the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva. The course also featured recognised international and Ukrainian experts, including Kevin Jon Heller, Professor of International Law and Security at the University of Copenhagen.

Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, welcomed participants and emphasised that, for Ukraine, international humanitarian law is not merely a set of legal norms, but a framework of rules that can save lives. He noted that IHL cannot be effective without strong political will — something Ukraine is already demonstrating. The Ukrainian Red Cross is proud to be part of this effort, continuing to serve as a reliable partner of the state in promoting awareness of IHL and supporting the implementation of its principles.