International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a set of rules governing the conduct of armed conflicts, with the aim of limiting the suffering of those involved by protecting combatants hors de combat, civilians, the wounded, and prisoners of war. Based primarily on the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols, IHL seeks to balance military necessity with respect for fundamental human rights, imposing limits on the use of force and protecting human dignity even in war situations.
At the same time, humanitarian diplomacy represents the set of diplomatic and negotiating actions aimed at facilitating access to humanitarian aid, the protection of vulnerable populations, and compliance with IHL norms. Through dialogue with governments, international organizations, and armed groups, humanitarian diplomacy seeks to reduce obstacles to assistance and promote peaceful solutions to complex crises.
In a world marked by protracted conflicts and emerging threats, respect for IHL and effective humanitarian diplomacy are essential to mitigate the devastating effects of war and safeguard the rights and lives of millions of people.
