The Ukrainian Red Cross presents an information display on international humanitarian law and provides educational materials for schools
On 8 October 2026, the Ukrainian Red Cross presented an information display on international humanitarian law (IHL) designed for use in secondary schools in Kyiv. Educators also received sets of educational materials to support the teaching of IHL in Ukrainian schools.
The event, Information Displays and Books on International Humanitarian Law for Ukrainian Schools, was organised jointly with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Institute of Education Development. It brought together around 140 education professionals from across Ukraine, including teachers, school leaders, education advisers, specialists in postgraduate teacher education and representatives of education authorities.
The aim of the initiative is to make high-quality IHL learning materials more accessible to schools and support teachers in teaching the subject. Knowledge of international humanitarian law helps pupils understand the rules that apply during armed conflict, who these rules protect, and why respect for human life and dignity remains essential in all circumstances.
Maksym Zatserkovnyi, Adviser to the President of the Ukrainian Red Cross, emphasised the importance of not only distributing the materials but also encouraging pupils to explore the subject independently:
“Today, the Ukrainian Red Cross is presenting an educational display and a set of materials on international humanitarian law. We want these resources to reach schools across Ukraine, but our success cannot be measured by the number of displays on walls or books on library shelves. Their real value lies in the questions they inspire — when a pupil wants to open a book, check an answer, discuss it with a teacher and understand more than what is written on the display.”
The Ukrainian Red Cross’s collection of IHL materials includes teaching guides, a terminology glossary, a compilation of legal sources and other publications covering the history, key concepts and practical application of IHL. Some publications focus on the role of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems, the rules governing their use and their legal protection, as well as the application of IHL in contemporary Ukraine.
The event’s programme also included sessions to deepen educators’ knowledge of IHL and discuss approaches to teaching the subject.
The Ukrainian Red Cross continues to work with educational institutions to promote knowledge of international humanitarian law among teachers and pupils across Ukraine.
