International Humanitarian Law Training for Teachers Held in Ivano-Frankivsk Region
The Ukrainian Red Cross held a training session on international humanitarian law (IHL) for teachers of law and civic education from the Ivano-Frankivsk region as part of professional development courses for teaching staff.
How should we talk to students about war, human rights, and the rules governing the conduct of hostilities? How can complex legal rules be explained in a way that helps young people make informed decisions, develop a sense of responsible citizenship, and respect human dignity? These questions were among the key focuses of the training.
The training was delivered by Ukrainian Red Cross volunteer trainers Khrystyna Duda, a lecturer at the Department of Theory and Methods of Teaching at the Ivano-Frankivsk Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education, and Maksym Kovaliuk. Participants not only deepened their knowledge of IHL but also explored practical tools to incorporate these topics into the educational process.
During the training, teachers analysed real and hypothetical armed-conflict scenarios, worked through legal cases and moral and legal dilemmas, and discussed the protection of civilians, the status of persons and objects, and the principles of humanity, distinction, proportionality, military necessity, and precautions in attack.
Particular attention was given to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, its Fundamental Principles, protective emblems, and humanitarian activities. Through practical exercises, participants explored how to talk to students about humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and respect for human dignity, not simply as legal concepts, but as principles with practical significance during wartime.
An important part of the training focused on methods for teaching IHL. Teachers discussed how to talk to children and young people about war without oversimplifying complex legal issues, help students analyse information, distinguish legal assessments from emotional reactions, and support them in developing and articulating their own positions.
Teaching IHL in schools is about more than studying international treaties and legal rules. For teachers of law and civic education, it is also an opportunity to help young people better understand the limits of what is permissible during war, the mechanisms available to protect people, and the importance of taking responsibility for their own actions.
The Ukrainian Red Cross continues to conduct IHL awareness-raising activities, promoting a better understanding of the rules applicable in armed conflict and helping foster a culture of respect for human dignity.
