Ukraine

Thematic areas: Humanitarian Norms – Child Protection & Education – Forced Displacement – Healthcare – Sexual Violence & Gender Discrimination – Cultural Heritage

Geneva Call has been operating in Ukraine since 2018, working to disseminate knowledge on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) among combatants, local communities, legal advisors, civil society organizations, and volunteers. Its efforts aim to protect civilians from the impacts of armed conflict and cover the following key areas:

• IHL training sessions
• information/media campaigns
• educational digital platforms
• policy and legal expertise

In Ukraine, Geneva Call works directly with combatants including front-line and newly mobilized units, volunteer battalions, territorial defense units and other armed actors engaged in the conflict, as well as with civil society. The organization brings extensive expertise in International Humanitarian Law (IHL), providing comprehensive knowledge on the rules of armed conflict, the treatment of the wounded and prisoners, the identification of lawful military targets, and the protection of children, medical personnel, and other vulnerable groups.

The organization’s training programs reflect the modern realities on the frontlines, including the widespread use of unmanned and autonomous systems. In Ukraine, these technologies have already become a key element of combat operations: while primarily used for reconnaissance, they are now actively deployed in both offensive and defensive missions. Unmanned systems are significantly transforming the nature of warfare and raising serious legal and humanitarian challenges. The use of unmanned systems and autonomous technologies in warfare is spreading far beyond Ukraine, and the lessons learned today will shape how IHL is applied on future battlefields. Compliance with IHL sets clear limits for parties in conflict, reduces civilian casualties, protects the rights of vulnerable groups, and helps to prevent war crimes.

Geneva Call’s research has revealed significant variations in combatants’ understanding of the rules of war – their rights and obligations under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL). These gaps reflect both diverse backgrounds and the rapid mobilization of civilians into armed forces. Addressing them is essential to reduce harm and enhance civilian protection.

IHL training sessions

Since 2018 Geneva Call has conducted around 350 awareness-raising sessions for more than 10 000 combatants, as well as over 100 training sessions for representatives of civil society.

Practical training modules on IHL are developed to address the modern challenges of armed conflicts and the humanitarian aspects of hostilities. They combine theoretical knowledge of IHL and related legal norms with the practical experience of active military personnel and veterans. This comprehensive approach contributes to strengthening discipline and legal awareness of personnel, fosters responsibility in task execution, and prepares participants to act safely and in compliance with the law in complex combat situations.

Policy and legal expertise

Geneva Call Ukraine advances policy and legal expertise on International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, and related fields while also engaging in certain legal and political processes in coordination with other national and international stakeholders.

Implementing evidence-based approach

Geneva Call delivers its programming in Ukraine using an evidence-based approach, combining targeted research projects with ongoing anonymized pre- and post-training surveys of combatants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Due to the sensitive nature of the data and analyses, Geneva Call does not publish its research findings.

Focusing on digital education for combatants

Geneva Call disseminates the norms and principles of IHL through various awareness raising materials and behavioral change campaigns. These materials explain the combatants’ standards of conduct in armed conflict and demonstrate how adherence to the rules of war contributes to the protection and safety of the civilian population.

A notable example of this approach is Geneva Call’s educational project “Code of Warriors of Light,” launched in 2023 specifically designed in and for the Ukrainian context. The project clarifies the core provisions of IHL and sets standards of professional conduct for combatants in armed conflict, aiming to enhance compliance and better protect civilians during hostilities.

YouTube        Facebook       Instagram        TikTok

In 2024 the campaign evolved into the LOAC Learning Platform and complementary web-application – online tools rooted in Geneva Call’s research and designed to equip combatants with an in-depth understanding of IHL framed through the more military-aligned terminology of LOAC. The platform presents LOAC norms and principles through a gamified, practical, and context-based approach, enhancing comprehension of key IHL concepts and their practical application on the battlefield.

In 2025, Geneva Call Ukraine introduced a new tool for the military – Decisions Under Fire. This is an interactive simulator designed for military personnel to learn the norms of IHL through simulated combat missions from first-person perspective (FPP) with a full immersion effect. 

Each mission is based on operational realities rather than abstract scenarios. Designed for both soldiers and commanders, the simulator strengthens leadership skills and reinforces the ability to make sound strategic and tactical decisions while upholding International Humanitarian Law (IHL), even in the most challenging combat conditions.

All these tools are integrated into the specialized Laws of War Bootcamp platform, developed for the Ukrainian context, which enables learners to study the theory of IHL and instantly test it in practice. The platform serves as a comprehensive online resource providing access to high-quality IHL learning materials in multiple formats to meet the diverse needs of its users.

KEY DATA

Combatants’ trainings held: 350+

Civilian trainings held: 100+

Combatants reached: 10 000 +

Awareness raising materials disseminated: 200 000+

People reached by communication campaigns:  80 million+

Communication campaigns held: 4

Digital learning tools developed: 4