Training on international humanitarian law held for investigators from Kyiv region
A two-day training course on international humanitarian law (IHL), organised by the Ukrainian Red Cross, took place in Kyiv for investigators from Kyiv region, as well as representatives and cadets of the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard of Ukraine. The participants included law enforcement officers involved in investigating war crimes, as well as students and lecturers from the institute. The training was delivered by leading specialists from the Ukrainian Red Cross IHL Unit.
During the training, participants examined IHL rules governing the conduct of hostilities and establishing protections for civilians and other people who are not, or are no longer, taking part in hostilities. Particular attention was paid to the principles of distinction and proportionality, as well as precautions in attack.
For investigators working on war crimes cases, understanding these rules has direct practical relevance. Knowledge of the rules governing the conduct of hostilities helps them assess the circumstances of incidents, establish which IHL requirements should have been observed and take these into account when documenting potential violations. For representatives and cadets of the National Guard, this knowledge is important for understanding the legal limits on the use of force and the rules for protecting people during armed conflict.
A separate part of the training focused on the structure and Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross, and the rules governing the use and legal protection of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems.
During the final discussion, participants identified potential areas for further cooperation. These included developing training programmes tailored to the professional needs of different audiences, delivering specialised training sessions and organising joint seminars.
For professionals dealing with the effects of armed conflict, knowledge of IHL is not just an understanding of international legal standards; it is also essential for carrying out their professional duties properly. It is therefore important to adapt this knowledge to the practical tasks of different public institutions so that it can be applied in their day-to-day work.
