2025 International Humanitarian Law report: EU promotes respect of international humanitarian law across the globe, including in Ukraine
On 18 September, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas published a new report on the EU Guidelines on Promoting Compliance with International Humanitarian Law January 2025 – December 2025.
This 9th report covers the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. It provides a concise, coherent, transparent and factual overview of the most relevant action taken by the EU in 2025. The document pays special attention to EU actions in regard to the consequences of the full scale Russian aggression against Ukraine. This includes the protection of the rights of Ukrainian military and civilian prisoners of war, the civilian population, and Ukrainian children being deported to Russia.
“International humanitarian law exists to protect people – civilians, aid workers, and healthcare staff. Yet today’s warfare too often disregards these rules,” said Commissioner Lahbib, presenting the report. “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.”
The EU guidelines on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law were first adopted in 2005 and further updated in 2009. 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. The EU efforts to actively promote respect for IHL have been 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.
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