Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action (WPS-HA Compact)’s Post

Armed conflict, alongside climate change, is one of the main drivers of humanitarian crises, with 2024 marking one of the most devastating years for civilians in conflict. The greatest barrier to aiding and protecting those in armed conflicts? Widespread violations of IHL. 2024 is now the deadliest year for humanitarian workers, surpassing last year’s toll of 280. Protecting aid workers is critical to protecting those in need. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eR4nrz6i #Investinhumanity #protectcivilians #notatarget #humanitarian #protecthumanitarians

The world is out of balance—between soft power and hard power, between people and the planet, and between soldiers and civilians. Yet these imbalances are man-made. Recently, I sat down with the Washington Post’s Jonathan Capehart to talk about the IRC’s Emergency Watchlist, an analysis of the humanitarian crises most likely to worsen in the coming year. We talked about the obstacles these imbalances pose to crises and how righting them is both a moral and strategic imperative. Watch our conversation here: https://lnkd.in/e3FAtgrk 

Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024: In 2023, civilian casualties in armed conflicts surged by a staggering 72 per cent, the steepest rise since 2015. 3 out of 10 civilians killed in armed conflicts are children. The trend must be reversed, conflicts must end, and parties to conflicts must strictly abide by international humanitarian and human rights obligations to protect children's lives. #WorldChildrensDay #ListentotheFuture

A surge in attacks across parts of the Middle East is inflicting yet more suffering on civilians and raising fears of wider regional conflict with devastating humanitarian consequences. We urgently call for de-escalation and protection of civilians. Read more👉🏽https://bit.ly/3YqiGOu

 A Red Cross worker in Ukraine was injured as a direct result of the warring parties' disregard for the principles of international humanitarian law, particularly the principle of precaution before the conduct of any military operation. . The Red Cross, as a neutral and independent humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting those in need during armed conflict, enjoys specific protection under international humanitarian law. The principle of precaution, which requires parties to a conflict to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties and damage to civilian objects, is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. It is a deep-rooted principle under IHL , the planner and executer of a military operation must take precautionary measures before and during the military operation . When a humanitarian worker is injured, it constitutes a clear violation of this principle and indicates a deeper disrespect for international humanitarian law. The consequences of such a violation extend beyond the individual injury. It poses a direct threat to the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver life-saving assistance to civilians affected by the conflict. When humanitarian workers feel unsafe, they are less able to reach those in need, exacerbating human suffering. Legally, attacking humanitarian workers is a war crime under international humanitarian law. Moreover, the failure to respect the principle of precaution constitutes a violation of both international humanitarian law and international human rights law and the latter raises during occupation suce the 2 cases in Gaza and Ukraine . The international community must strengthen accountability mechanisms for violations of international humanitarian law and support efforts to bring perpetrators of these crimes to justice domestically or internationally . Preserving the neutrality and independence of humanitarian action is vital to saving lives and alleviating suffering in conflict zones. All parties involved must respect this principle and work together to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers. Ayman Salama #ICRC #Ukraine

Urgent Government Action Needed in Highlands Tribal Conflict The tribal conflict in the highlands is escalating and requires immediate government intervention. Violence is tearing apart communities and displacing families. The government must deploy peacekeeping forces, facilitate dialogue, and provide humanitarian aid. Swift action is essential to restore peace and stability in the region. #HighlandsCrisis #GovernmentIntervention #PeaceNow

"The patterns of conflict have changed, and our peacemaking strategies must change with them," writes Clionadh Raleigh at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) in our ongoing intergenerational dialogue series on peacemaking to mark #EIP10Years. Many important points on the need to adapt to modern conflict dynamics. Thank you for this contribution to this series. https://lnkd.in/euMQBPsB

On the one-year anniversary of the attacks in Israel and ensuing violent conflict, we call the international community to action today and every day moving forward until all people in the region can live in safety, dignity, and peace. Read our statement: https://lnkd.in/ekWp5Rsu

The first step to a solution is simple. Stop sending arms .