How Compliance with International Humanitarian Law Supports Post-War Recovery and Reconstruction

On 10–11 July 2025, the Fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) is taking place in Rome. In light of this important political event, we are highlighting the role of international humanitarian law (IHL) in mitigating the consequences of war. This branch of public international law aims to limit human suffering and the destruction caused by armed conflict.

The rules of international humanitarian law, both treaty-based and customary, are designed to restrain the conduct of warfare in favour of humanitarian protection. At its core, IHL seeks to balance military necessity with humanity. In the context of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, the principles of distinction and proportionality are of particular importance.

These principles mean that parties to an armed conflict are restricted in their choice of means and methods of warfare. Specifically, it is prohibited to target civilians or cause harm to their life and health, as well as to destroy civilian objects. Respecting these rules helps limit the scale of destruction, thereby easing the burden of post-war recovery and reconstruction.

Although the rules of international humanitarian law apply from the outset of an armed conflict, their implementation remains critically important in the long term. This is particularly true in relation to the obligation of parties to the conflict to clear and dispose of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

For Ukraine, this issue is especially pressing, as it has become the most heavily mined country in the world. Experts estimate that demining efforts could take decades after the war ends and will require substantial financial resources.

International experience shows that landmines can continue to endanger civilians for 20 to 30 years after the end of hostilities — with children representing a significant proportion of the victims. It is therefore essential to prioritise the protection of civilians by taking all possible measures to prevent incidental civilian deaths, injuries, and damage to civilian infrastructure.

The Ukrainian Red Cross continues to work actively to raise public awareness of the risks posed by mines and explosive hazards. It also plays a key role in promoting knowledge of international humanitarian law and supporting the state in implementing its provisions.