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LAW & POLICY NEWSLETTER
JULY 2026
LAW & POLICY NEWSLETTER
JULY 2026
Amplifying Pacific voices: the region’s crucial role in advancing IHL
Amplifying Pacific voices: the region’s crucial role in advancing IHL
Pacific Island states have long demonstrated leadership in promoting peace, disarmament, and humanitarian values. From traditional customs that reflect principles contained in contemporary international humanitarian law (IHL), to global advocacy for nuclear disarmament and environmental protections during armed conflict, the region is uniquely equipped to contribute to discussions on advancing IHL. This is particularly important in the context of contemporary challenges, including climate change, the illicit trade of small arms, cyber operations, and the vulnerability of submarine data cables that affect Pacific livelihoods.
In this post, ICRC Legal Advisers Hannah Crothers and Catherine Thorntonexplore the importance of amplifying Pacific voices in the conversation on IHL, including through the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL, which provides a platform for states to contribute to the global discussion through sharing their experiences and insights.
Watch the poem The shelter that shone in the distance, and reflect on the human stories behind forced displacement - and why solidarity must remain a steadfast commitment to the dignity and rights of refugees.
Read this article that explores how humanitarian action can better support local communities by strengthening, rather than replacing, the social bonds that sustain dignity and resilience.
Examine this piece and learn how climate-resilient WASH responses can better protect dignity, health, and human rights by placing local knowledge, inclusive partnerships, and long-term sustainability at the centre of humanitarian action.
On 9 July 2026, the ICRC will lead the global launch of Phase II of the Digital Emblem Project, showing how humanitarian protection under international law can extend into the digital environment.Register here to join the launch!
The International Review of the Red Cross (IRRC) invites proposals for a new thematic edition. This examines the implications of the use of AI in relation to armed conflict for the protection of civilians and for IHL. Read the call for papers and submit your abstract here!
A new section in Spanish on theimplementation mechanisms is now live on IHL in Action: Respect for the Law on the Battlefield. Thematic entries are being added progressively, offering concise case summaries alongside original source materials and references in English.
The 11th All-European IHL & Refugee Law moot court competition will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 24-27 November 2026. Applications are open until 1 September 2026. Apply here!
Dissemination of IHL is crucial for states and parties to armed conflict to fulfil their obligation to respect and ensure respect for the law. Discover how in our latest factsheet.
Register here to attend the 26th Bruges Colloquium on IHL. This year's edition will focus on Addressing the Human Cost of War: Upholding IHL to Protect the Wounded, Sick and Dead.
On 27 May 2026, the ICRC held a training session on the updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention with personnel from the office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights to present the updated Commentary’s findings on how to use it as a research tool.
A timely side event took place on 15 June 2026 in Geneva. The discussion examined how AI decision-support systems can be aligned with IHL and contribute to the protection of civilians. Listen to audio recording here.
On 19 June 2026 in Brussels, a high-level discussion marked the launch of the ICRC’s updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention. Read key insights from the conversation!
Ahead of the 9 July 2026 launch of Phase II of the Digital Emblem Project, watch ICRC Legal Adviser Samit D'Cunha explain the intiative at the 2026 International Conference on Cyber Conflict (CyCon).
🔖 Missed any of these?
Contribute to“Emerging Voices” series: Share your insights and influence the discourse on humanitarian law and policy.
For the millions of people in countries reliant on humanitarian assistance, greater support is desperately needed to save lives and avert further suffering. You can help the people you are reading about.
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