The operational and humanitarian consequences of disregard for the rules of war are both devastating and accelerating

2026-06-18 · Source: International Committee of the Red Cross · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, International Relations & Diplomacy, Public Safety & Security · Depth: Intermediate, short

Summary

Elyse Mosquini, Permanent Observer to the UN, delivered remarks on June 18, 2026, highlighting the devastating and accelerating consequences of disregarding international humanitarian law (IHL). She emphasized that disrespect for IHL leads to unacceptable civilian casualties, including attacks on healthcare and the weaponization of essential services, creating systemic crises as infrastructure collapses. Furthermore, humanitarian space is collapsing due to growing access restrictions, insecurity, and attacks on personnel; 31 Red Cross and Red Crescent staff were killed in 2025, and 1010 humanitarian personnel died in the last three years. Technology, including drones, cyber operations, and AI/machine learning, amplifies these patterns by accelerating decision-making and increasing the distance between operators and impacts. Mosquini urged States to join the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL, launched in 2024 by six nations and now supported by 113 States, and to participate in the Humanity in War Conference on December 7 in Jordan.

Key takeaway

For policy makers and legal professionals grappling with modern conflict, the accelerating disregard for international humanitarian law demands immediate, concrete action. You should actively support and join the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL, participating in its consultations and the upcoming Humanity in War Conference on December 7. Prioritize developing and implementing robust safeguards for emerging technologies like AI and drones to preserve human judgment and control in military operations, mitigating civilian harm and humanitarian space collapse.

Key insights

Disregard for international humanitarian law, amplified by technology, causes accelerating devastation for civilians and humanitarian efforts, demanding urgent state action.

Principles

• Wars without rules target civilians.
• Technology amplifies IHL disregard.
• Human judgment and control are critical safeguards.

In practice

• Join the Global IHL Initiative.
• Participate in Humanity in War Conference.
• Implement safeguards for AI/ML in warfare.

Topics

• International Humanitarian Law
• Civilian Protection
• Humanitarian Operations
• Military Drones
• Cyber Warfare
• AI in Warfare

Best for: Policy Maker, Legal Professional

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by International Committee of the Red Cross.