Applying International Humanitarian Law to AI: Workshop for Students Held in Kyiv
On 27 August, the Ukrainian Red Cross, together with partners from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, held an advanced workshop in Kyiv, “Applying International Humanitarian Law to a New Technology of Warfare — Artificial Intelligence.”
The event brought together bachelor’s and master’s students from universities across Ukraine, as well as academics, experts, and specialists from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The programme combined theoretical and practical sessions. Dmytro Koval, Head of the Department of International and European Law at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, helped participants deepen their understanding of the foundations and key principles of international humanitarian law. Inna Zavorotko, Colonel of Justice and Head of the International Law Section of the Legal Support Department of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, spoke about the practical application of artificial intelligence in armed conflicts.
Particular attention was paid to real-life examples of the use of emerging technologies in contemporary warfare, including in Ukraine, and to questions concerning their compliance with IHL.
The practical part of the workshop gave participants an opportunity to apply the knowledge they had gained. Five student teams worked on a case study related to the use of emerging technologies in armed conflict. They analysed the scenarios through the lens of IHL, assessed potential risks, and determined whether the proposed technological solutions could be used in the conduct of hostilities in accordance with IHL.
“International humanitarian law does not provide a ready-made answer to every challenge arising from the rapid development of technology. However, its fundamental principles remain unchanged. That is why today we are talking not only about technology, but also about responsibility and the proper application of IHL at a time when technological capabilities are developing at an extraordinary pace,” said a representative of the International Humanitarian Law Unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross.
Events such as this help young professionals combine their knowledge of IHL with an understanding of contemporary technological challenges and learn how to apply it when analysing real-life situations.
The Ukrainian Red Cross continues to develop its educational activities in the field of IHL and create opportunities for professional dialogue and learning for young people.
