2025 International Humanitarian Law report
2025 was marked by all too many events that called into question the effective implementation of IHL. The need for humanitarian protection and assistance has never been greater. The current global challenges, with over 130 armed conflicts ongoing, demonstrate that the proper implementation of IHL, including to new forms of warfare and new technologies, is crucial. Civilians continue to be targeted by parties to conflicts. Access to aid is purposely obstructed. Humanitarian workers, those who risk everything to save others, are increasingly in the crosshairs.
These were some of the conclusions of the ninth report on the EU Guidelines on Promoting Compliance with International Humanitarian Law. This ninth report covers the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. It does not aim to be exhaustive but to provide a concise, coherent, transparent and factual overview of the most relevant action taken by the EU in 2025. The purpose is to monitor all actions taken by the EU, increase the visibility of the measures in support of IHL, and facilitate the assessment of the EU’s work in that field. Previously published by the Council Working Group on Public International Law (COJUR), from this year the yearly implementation report is published jointly by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission.
Accountability for violations of international and humanitarian law is fundamental. When humanitarian crises are the result of political failures, impunity and the erosion of basic norms, the response must be political resolve and collective action. We must fight impunity and ensure accountability for the most serious crimes: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes of aggression. Accountability cannot be selective or the entire rules-based order is called into question. In 2025 we stood up in defence of IHL in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, in Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic and Yemen.”
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas
International humanitarian law exists to protect people – civilians, aid workers, and healthcare staff. Yet today’s warfare too often disregards these rules. Whether it is the sheltering in underground metro stations in Ukraine, or families fleeing from drones in Sudan, or civilians caught in armed conflicts that span from Myanmar to the DRC – those lives could be spared if international humanitarian law would be respected by the warring parties. The EU has long stood at the forefront of advocating for IHL to be upheld, and our voice will only grow louder.
EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib
International humanitarian law (IHL) sets out the rules to limit and mitigate the impact of armed conflict. As an international actor The EU has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting respect for and effectively implementing the rules and principles of IHL.
With the adoption in 2005 of the EU guidelines on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law (‘the Guidelines’), further updated in 2009, the EU sent a clear signal that it prioritises compliance with the IHL framework. The Guidelines provide an overview of the operational tools available to the EU to promote compliance through its relations with third states and international actors, along with practical guidance on the rules and principles of IHL, and invite the EU to report on its action.
European Union/ photographer: Denis Sassou Gueipeur/ 2025
Hadja Lahbib in Chad: a plea to stop the suffering in Sudan
In the light of today’s challenges, the EU continued its efforts to actively promote respect for IHL across all the areas covered by the Guidelines. Those efforts were consistently backed up by its political decisions, operational activities and financial and other support, wherever possible in cooperation with third States and regional and international actors. This approach has contributed to the EU’s wider diplomatic, humanitarian and development efforts.
In numerous Council conclusions, as well as through declarations and statements of EU representatives, the EU has continuously and publicly committed itself at high level – as an international actor engaging in various fora – to upholding respect for IHL. In its relations with third States and international actors, the EU encouraged accession to and implementation of all relevant international legal instruments. The EU promoted special protection for humanitarian actors, in line with its firm commitment to guaranteeing protection for populations affected by armed conflict, and to protecting health infrastructure and medical personnel from attacks.
Read the: