Wednesday 6th November 2025: The Irish Red Cross annual International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Conference ‘From Commitments to Action: Protecting Humanity in Crisis’ took place today (Thursday 6th November) and included testimony from Dana Abu-Koash, IHL Coordinator, for the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Speaking ahead of the Conference, Ms. Abu-Koash urged the International Community to immediately act to stop the escalating violence targeting civilians, humanitarian and medical workers, and the healthcare system, in the occupied Palestinian territory.

 

“The integrity of the Red Crescent emblem must be restored and protected. Nothing will deter my colleagues from their medical humanitarian mission but systematic attacks and violations against medical and humanitarian missions are a grave violation of the Geneva Conventions and disregard for international humanitarian law endangers everyone,” said Ms. Abu-Koash. “The trends are moving in the wrong direction, with 2024 seeing several grim, record-breaking casualty rates amongst civilians, medical and humanitarian workers and journalists.  It has never been more dangerous to be a humanitarian worker.”

 

The Conference examined States’ commitments to international humanitarian law, the realities faced by those living in areas affected by armed conflict, and the gap between these which result in devastating consequences for civilians and humanitarians. Non-compliance with international humanitarian law across more than 130 conflicts globally is creating particularly worrying trends that challenge the fundamental principles of humanitarian protection.  

 

Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General, Irish Red Cross highlighted the human cost of this failure, “We are devastated that five Sudanese Red Crescent colleagues were killed in recent weeks. Tragically, since the beginning of 2025, 25 Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers from across the globe have lost their lives while carrying out their humanitarian duties. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our mission; their dedication and service is what defines us. They must be protected and allowed to carry out their lifesaving work without fear. The international community must focus on how to turn commitments to international humanitarian law into tangible action to ensure humanity is protected in war. We need to bear witness to the very difficult realities people are trying to survive and what states like Ireland can do. Everyone – politicians, government officials, journalists, academics, lawyers, humanitarian workers – has a role to play in championing respect for international humanitarian law at home and abroad. We know that when it is respected, IHL saves lives.”