Global Initiative for Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law

This document is a technical report detailing a global initiative aimed at galvanizing political commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The initiative, launched by several countries and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), seeks to address the challenges faced by IHL in contemporary armed conflicts. The report outlines the overarching goal of making IHL a political priority and emphasizes the need for strong political commitment to ensure compliance with IHL. It describes seven workstreams designed to tackle contemporary challenges to IHL, focusing on prevention of violations and effective protection during armed conflict. The workstreams will involve consultations with various stakeholders, including States and academic experts, to produce practical recommendations. The initiative aims to reinforce respect for IHL and enhance international cooperation to protect those affected by armed conflict, culminating in a significant meeting by the end of 2026.