Strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) through its dissemination, promotion and implementation

A) Objectives of the pledge:

We, the Government of Albania and Albanian Red Cross recognize the devastating impact of armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies on the civilian population, particularly most vulnerable groups (such as children, women and girls, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, refugees, persons belonging to religious minorities).

Recalling that women, men, girls and boys of different ages, disabilities and backgrounds can be affected differently in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict and that these differences need to be considered when implementing and applying IHL, to safeguard adequate protection for all.

We, the Government of Albania and Albanian Red Cross recognize that all parties in armed conflict must protect civilian population, and that enhanced measures are required for the protection of most vulnerable groups (women, children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, refugees, persons belonging to religious minorities), which have specific needs.

We, the Government of Albania and Albanian Red Cross, recognize the important role that policymakers and decisionmakers play in implementing international law and international humanitarian law and in stopping and preventing the recurrence of IHL violations.

During the years 2025-2028, in accordance with our respective mandates, institutional objectives, areas of work and capacities, the Government of Albania and Albanian Red Cross pledge to strengthen the capacities and raise awareness of policymakers, decisionmakers and all  those who are called upon to apply  and interpret the law i.e. may encounter the application of IHL in their work, through training programs and seminars to ensure better understanding and implementation of IHL while considering the risks and barriers faced by vulnerable groups.

B) Action plan:

1. Organize trainings for all those who are call upon to apply and interpret the law by 2027 on the implementation of the international humanitarian law, considering protection of civilians and the risks and barriers faced by the most vulnerable groups.
2. Organize seminars for policymakers and decision makers (in line ministries, parliament) with the participation of representative organizations of persons with disabilities, women and girls, children, elderly persons,to raise awareness for better implementation of the international humanitarian law by considering the risks and barriers faced by vulnerable groups.
3. Take initiative to engage with young people on IHL and humanitarian principles.
4. Prepare a report by the year 2028 on the pledge made at the 34^th Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent by the Government of Albania and the Albanian Red Cross.

C) Indicators for measuring progress:

1. Organize at least one training and/or seminar each year by 2027.
2. Number of people trained on and reached out through trainings and seminars.
3. Prepare reports on the outcomes of each training and seminar.

D) Resource implications:

The Government of Albania and Albanian Red Cross will determine the financial resources that may be required to support the implementation of this pledge based on actions to be taken.