EU at UNGA 79: Commissioner Lenarčič co-chairs event on international humanitarian law

Today, Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič is co-chairing a high-level side event during the 79th UN General Assembly Ministerial Week to discuss how to restore the centrality of international humanitarian law in today’s armed conflicts. The event is co-hosted by the Kingdom of Belgium, Indonesia, Jordan, Mexico and the European Union. 

Armed conflicts remain one of the main causes of humanitarian crises, with civilians often bearing the heaviest burden. Violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) are more and more widespread in such conflicts. This event comes at a crucial time, as it aims to refocus global attention on the importance of restoring IHL's centrality and universality, while reaffirming the obligation to respect IHL.

Underlining the EU’s strong commitment to upholding the IHL worldwide, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said: “The violations of international humanitarian law have become far too normalised in the conflicts of today, leading to civilian suffering beyond comprehension. We must restore the relevance of IHL on international arena to avoid the civilian populations becoming a collateral damage in armed conflicts. I remind all parties to conflict that this law is not open for a debate but is there to be followed. Above all, civilians should never be targeted, and humanitarian organisations must be allowed to deliver their life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable.”