Interagency Commission Meeting on International Humanitarian Law Held in Kyiv, Chaired by Vice Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk

A meeting of the Interagency Commission on the Application and Implementation of International Humanitarian Law in Ukraine, of which the Ukrainian Red Cross is a member, was recently held in Kyiv. It was chaired by Iryna Vereshchuk, Vice Prime Minister – Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine. 

The meeting was focused on the protection of human rights during periods of martial law, with participants emphasising the importance of adhering to humanitarian law across all aspects of state and societal activities. 

Furthermore, participants identified the inclusion of international humanitarian law in compulsory education as a priority, planning to integrate courses covering the protection of human rights in situations of armed conflict into the curriculum. Additionally, topics related to international humanitarian law will be integrated into standard school subjects, such as the defence of Ukraine, law, and history. Educational materials will be disseminated through manuals, online courses, and specialised training sessions. 

It is worth noting that the Ukrainian Red Cross Summer School on International Humanitarian Law will be held from June 17th to 21st, and its implementation plan was discussed during the meeting. 

Additionally, it is important to mention that the Interagency Commission on the Application and Implementation of International Humanitarian Law in Ukraine serves as an advisory body under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Its primary role is to assist in ensuring the fulfilment of Ukraine’s international legal obligations regarding international humanitarian law. The Ukrainian Red Cross is a key supporting body that assists the state in implementing international humanitarian law.