IHL at the Centre of High-Level Event at the 79th UN General Assembly

1 October 2024

During the 79th UN General Assembly Ministerial Week, the European Union along with the Kingdom of Belgium, organized a high-level side event on the obligation to respect and ensure respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL), co-hosted by Indonesia, Jordan, and Mexico. Professor Gloria Gaggioli, former Director of the Geneva Academy and Professor at the Law Faculty, University of Geneva, was one of the speakers.

Violations of IHL are prevalent in many contemporary armed conflicts. These violations pose significant challenges to the centrality and universality of IHL, with many actors failing to respect or enforce its principles. The event sought to address these concerns by reaffirming the obligation of states to uphold and enforce IHL.

The discussion revolved around several key issues: challenges in ensuring accountability for IHL violations, the need for credible information on compliance, and the role of states and donors in advocating for the protection of civilians. Participants highlighted the importance of disseminating IHL knowledge among all conflict actors, enhancing humanitarian access, and prosecuting violations, particularly those affecting aid workers. Professor Gaggioli also presented the IHL in Focus project, outlining its objectives and methodology. Reflecting on the project's mission, she emphasised, ‘The IHL in Focus project seeks to provide accurate data and analysis to strengthen respect for IHL and ensure that states and humanitarian actors have the tools they need to better protect civilians in conflict zones.’

The panel aimed to raise awareness among Member States and the broader international community regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflict, stressing the collective responsibility to restore the centrality of IHL. In addition to Professor Gaggioli, speakers included notably:

• H.E. Mr. Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium
• Mr. Janez Lenarčič, European Union Commissioner for Crisis, Management
• Representatives of the Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Indonesia, and of Mexico
• Ms Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross
• Ms Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
• Mr Karim A.A. Khan, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court
• Mr Gilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security
• Ms Antonia Mulvey, Executive Director, Legal Action Worldwide

The discussion was moderated by Ms Karin Landgren, Executive Director, Security Council Report.

Learn more about the IHL in Focus project here.