International humanitarian law versus international political will | VOICE Out Loud #38
In the latest VOICE Out Loud #38, Brona Higgins, Senior Humanitarian Policy & Practice Advisor at DanChurchAid, examines the widening gap between international humanitarian law (IHL) and the political will needed to enforce it. The article raises a warning: without genuine commitment from states to uphold IHL, civilians and humanitarian workers will remain dangerously unprotected in today’s increasingly complex conflict environments.
Reacting to recent crises—including those in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine—Higgins offers a critical analysis on how political considerations continue to overshadow legal obligations. She challenges states to move beyond rhetorical commitments and take action to ensure accountability for violations and the protection of humanitarian space. The article underscores the urgent need for leadership, consistency, and stronger enforcement mechanisms. Higgins calls on humanitarian actors, civil society, and the EU to increase pressure on states to meet their IHL obligations—not as an option, but as a duty.
This contribution to VOICE Out Loud #38 invites all humanitarian stakeholders and policymakers to reflect on the cost of inaction and the role they must play in bridging the divide between law and politics.
Click here to read the full article: International humanitarian law versus international political will
Click here to read VOICE Out Loud 38 “Upholding Humanity – The Role and Future of International Humanitarian Law”
The VOICE Out Loud 38 "Upholding Humanity - The role and future of International Humanitarian Law", takes a critical look at the growing threats to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) amidst the world’s escalating crises. This issue features insights from our members, including DanChurchAid, Action Against Hunger France, Terre des Hommes Italy, Oxfam, and Diakonia/Act Alliance with an interview to the former EU Commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarčič.
