Advancing IHL and IHRL in conflict zones to protect the most vulnerable
8 May 2025
The erosion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and humanitarian principles in today’s conflicts is not just a legal crisis—it’s a human one.
From the deliberate targeting of civilians to the destruction of hospitals and schools, acts that disregard IHL in fragile and protracted conflict zones cause immense suffering and deprive millions of the protection and assistance they desperately need. These are not isolated violations—they are a call to action for all of us committed to defending human dignity and protecting the most vulnerable.
As we mark Geneva Call’s 25th anniversary, we reflect on the impact of our work and renew our commitment to promoting respect for humanitarian norms in some of the world’s most challenging conflict settings.
Join us online to learn more about our work on Wednesday, May 14, when Geneva Call will participate in a public hearing hosted by the European Parliament’s Committee on Development and Subcommittee on Human Rights. The session, titled “Advancing International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) in conflict zones and fragile contexts to protect the most vulnerable,” will explore practical strategies to strengthen the protection of civilians in areas affected by conflict.
Geneva Call will be represented by Director General Alain Délétroz and Director of Operations Atif Hameed. They will share insights into the organization’s work in South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. As part of the panel on Strengthening IHL and IHRL Compliance on the Ground, Geneva Call will showcase field-based practices aimed at improving respect for international norms. The discussion will include examples of EU-funded initiatives and explore effective approaches to enhancing protection for civilians in complex settings.
The event will be streamed on the European Parliament’s website at 10:00 CET on Wednesday, May 14. Watch live or on demand.
Click here for meeting details and documents.
Photo © European Union 2025 – Source : EP