Upholding accountability for international humanitarian law | VOICE Out Loud #38
In this article from the VOICE Out Loud #38, Yvette Issar, Senior Legal Adviser at Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre (member of ACT Alliance EU), discusses the urgent need for accountability in upholding International Humanitarian Law (IHL). With increasing violations in armed conflicts, she highlights that IHL applies to all parties—state and non-state—and obliges all states to ensure its enforcement. Mechanisms such as universal jurisdiction, national and international courts, investigative bodies, and targeted sanctions are crucial tools to tackle a lack of accountability and prevent future violations.
Issar stresses that accountability is not just about punishment but about reinforcing legal norms and protecting civilians and humanitarian workers. However, growing political tensions and misuse of legal arguments often allow violators to escape justice. She calls on the EU and its member states to actively support accountability efforts and legal processes. Diakonia’s IHL Advisory Service contributes by offering legal advice and training to humanitarian actors.
Click here to read the full article: Upholding accountability for international humanitarian law
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.
