Global Initiative on IHL: Strong Engagement in First Phase of Consultations

More than 80 states have expressed their support for the initiative—formally or informally—demonstrating broad interest in strengthening the legal and operational frameworks that underpin humanitarian protection. Twenty-four co-chairs have taken on leadership roles across the seven thematic workstreams, which include protection of civilian infrastructure, health care in conflict, and IHL and peace, among others.

The first half of 2025 was marked by several important multilateral milestones. In January, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, an interactive dialogue titled “Preserving Human Dignity in Armed Conflict” united over 80 countries around a single message: IHL must become a political priority. Delivered with support from the ICRC, the event saw Jordan (on behalf of the six founding states) urging all Geneva Convention signatories to join the Initiative. ICRC President Spoljaric emphasized the urgency: humanity in war depends on decisive, collective action. In February, in Geneva, a high‑level meeting co-hosted by Kazakhstan and Brazil (including Brazil’s Human Rights Minister) drew participation from numerous countries. Many formally expressed interest in joining the Initiative, signalling its rapidly growing global reach and political resonance. In April, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the ICRC President co-hosted a high-level meeting in New York. This resulted in the adoption of a joint communiqué by the founding states and 21 confirmed co-chairs—a key early milestone for the initiative. In June, during the ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment (HAS), the co-chairs of the workstreams on civilian infrastructure and on hospitals delivered a joint statement supported by 58 states and one regional organization.