Volyn Region Hosts International Humanitarian Law Training for Territorial Community Representatives
Heads of territorial communities and representatives of local self-government authorities in the Volyn region strengthened their knowledge of international humanitarian law (IHL) and its practical application in their professional work. The training aimed to enhance participants’ competence and their understanding of how IHL principles and rules can be taken into account in the work of local self-government authorities.
The training was delivered by Ukrainian Red Cross IHL trainer-volunteers: Ihor Kozych, Doctor of Law, Professor and Head of the Department of Crime Prevention Policy and Criminal Law at the Law Institute of the King Danylo University; Khrystyna Duda, lawyer and lecturer at the Department of Theory and Methodology of Teaching at the Ivano-Frankivsk Educational and Scientific Institute of Postgraduate Education and Management; and Maksym Kovaliuk.
During the training, participants learned about the structure, mandate, fundamental principles and emblems of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Particular attention was paid to the functions of protective emblems and their use in armed conflict, as well as to the role of humanitarian organisations in protecting affected populations and supporting humanitarian initiatives at the community level.
The practical part of the training focused on case studies reflecting the challenges faced by local self-government authorities under martial law. Participants analysed situations related to the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure, considered examples of potential IHL violations, and discussed legal liability and the implications of administrative decisions.
Working with practical case studies enabled participants not only to deepen their theoretical knowledge of IHL but also to explore how it can be applied in their professional activities.
The training provided a space for professional dialogue and exchange of experience and contributed to strengthening awareness of international humanitarian law among representatives of local self-government authorities.
