Building a universal culture of compliance with IHL: From words to action
Marie-Louise Tougas, ICRC
Adopted at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Resolution 1 “Building a universal culture of compliance with international humanitarian law” reaffirms the enduring relevance of this body of law. It restates foundational principles, such as non-reciprocity and the separation of jus ad bellum and jus in bello, which are critical to preserving the protective function of international humanitarian law (IHL). The resolution also reinforces the importance of national implementation. It breathes new life into the “Bringing IHL home” resolution from the 33rd Conference, urging States to ratify treaties, adopt legislation and train armed forces. But it goes further, highlighting the need to combat impunity and to train judges, prosecutors and legal professionals who are key to enforcement.
The resolution also insists that States should actively promote IHL compliance by other States, including by convincing parties to armed conflicts to put an end to any IHL violations. And it further urges States to promote IHL compliance by non-State armed groups where appropriate.
Since its adoption in October 2024, States, National Societies and regional organizations have advanced this vision, translating commitments into concrete outcomes through regional exchanges, cooperation and initiatives. The ICRC supports these efforts and co-organized a series of regional events to foster regional cooperation and the exchange of good practices.
In Europe, progress has been driven by active engagement in voluntary reporting and the adoption of pledges. During the Regional Conference of European National IHL Committees (NIHLCs) in Warsaw in May, States and National Societies presented some open pledges made during the 34th International Conference and discussed best practices for the implementation of pledges in general. Participants agreed that voluntary reporting remains a key tool for self-assessment, promoting coordination among institutions and passing on key messages to policy makers.
In the Americas, the Regional Meeting of NIHLCs, held in Brasilia in July, brought together committees from 16 States. They discussed Resolution 1 and how NIHLCs can build on its content. Voluntary reporting was highlighted as a means to strengthen transparency and reaffirm commitment to IHL. Several States shared experiences on using the process to identify achievements and gaps, illustrating how Resolution 1 is guiding domestic implementation.
In West Africa, the 21st ECOWAS–ICRC Annual Review Meeting, held in Abuja in September, gathered representatives from ten States in the region. It was an occasion to reaffirm the region’s collective commitment to operationalizing the pledge made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the 34th International Conference. States called for stronger coordination between national and regional IHL plans of action and renewed political commitment to ensure that the resolution leads to measurable results.
In Southeast Asia, the first Southeast Asia Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Forum was held in Kuala Lumpur in September. The meetings brought together representatives from 11 National Societies in the region, the ICRC, the IFRC, the Malaysian Government, diplomatic missions, academics, the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Participants explored best practices in building a universal culture of compliance with IHL through national implementation, regional cooperation and political commitment. ASEAN’s role in this respect was highlighted as part of its humanitarian and peacebuilding agenda. For its part, the 4th Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Youth Forum adopted a statement reaffirming the commitment to promote IHL and the Fundamental Principles among young people in the region.
In East Africa, the Regional Seminar on IHL, held in Nairobi in November and attended by participants from ten States, was dedicated to key aspects of Resolution 1, including the role of NIHLCs, humanitarian disarmament and building a universal culture of compliance. Important issues such as the integration of IHL into military doctrine and education and strengthening national mechanisms, including NIHLCs, were emphasized. Participants also discussed the importance of humanitarian disarmament and ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty. The discussions revealed both challenges, such as limited resources and competing priorities, and encouraging progress, including Kenya’s ongoing voluntary reporting process and Ethiopia’s renewed commitment to establishing a NIHLC.
Finally, an initiative to run a joint blog on IHL education, developed by the ICRC, the IFRC and the American, Canadian and Danish National Societies, reflected a shared commitment to fostering a universal culture of compliance. Titled “From Disenchantment to a Universal Culture of Compliance: IHL Education 2.0”, it builds on Resolution 1’s recognition that education and awareness are key to ensuring respect for IHL by all actors.
In parallel, the ICRC’s legal advisors around the world continue to promote the resolution as well as the different pledges made during the last International Conference and to support authorities and National Societies in this respect.
As these initiatives show, the implementation of Resolution 1 is well underway. Across all regions, the message is clear: Resolution 1 is not just a declaration; it is a roadmap for collective action. Through pledges, voluntary reporting and regional cooperation, States and National Societies are fostering a culture of compliance with IHL that is grounded in shared responsibility and practical initiative.
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