Championing International Humanitarian Law at the European Union and beyond

In July 2026, Ireland will hold the EU Council presidency for six months. This falls at a time of increased challenge to respect for IHL and the broader rules-based order and increased active armed conflicts globally. As a militarily neutral EU Member State that identifies IHL as a priority within its foreign policy, Ireland is uniquely positioned during its EU Council Presidency to champion respect for IHL at the regional level. This role aligns closely with the objectives of the Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Will on IHL (“Global IHL Initiative”), offering Ireland an opportunity to bridge global commitments with EU-level policy discussions and to promote stronger political prioritisation of IHL across the European Union.

The Irish Red Cross annual IHL Conference brings together academia, government officials, humanitarian practitioners and other key stakeholders to discuss contemporary IHL challenges. In 2026, the Conference will explore how Ireland can leverage its EU Presidency to ensure that IHL remains a central political priority at the regional level. The Conference will also launch the Irish Red Cross report "Voices for Humanity in Conflict", presenting new evidence on public knowledge of IHL and public attitudes towards the role of Ireland and the EU in promoting its respect. The findings will provide an important basis for discussion on how citizen perspectives can inform policy and political leadership on IHL.

This event is recognised as an Associated Event of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026. This event is co-funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Irish Red Cross and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.