ICRC Hosts High-Level Dialogue with Diplomatic Community on Cyber Warfare and IHL

2026-06-25 · Source: International Committee of the Red Cross · Field: Legal & Regulatory — Regulatory Affairs & Government Relations, Public Policy & Governance, International Relations & Diplomacy · Depth: Expert, short

Summary

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in collaboration with the embassies of Switzerland and Ghana, hosted a high-level dialogue on 3 June 2026, in Addis Ababa. The event, themed "Upholding International Humanitarian Law in the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) during Armed Conflict," gathered 95 participants from AU member states, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, and civil society. Discussions focused on how cyber warfare and emerging technologies, including AI-augmented capabilities, are creating complex protection challenges for civilians and critical infrastructure, particularly in Africa. The dialogue aimed to advance the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, specifically its ICT workstream and a draft outcome document. Key outcomes included reinforcing the relevance of the Common African Position on IHL application to ICTs in Cyberspace, adopted in January 2024, and emphasizing the need to integrate the evolving cyber dimension into IHL advocacy and policy outputs.

Key takeaway

For policy makers and legal professionals interpreting International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in armed conflict, recognize that emerging cyber tools and AI-augmented capabilities fundamentally alter civilian protection challenges. You must actively integrate the evolving ICT and cyber dimensions into policy outputs and ongoing IHL initiatives. Consider the Common African Position on IHL in Cyberspace as a framework. This proactive approach is essential to prevent further erosion of IHL limits in digital warfare and safeguard critical infrastructure.

Key insights

Warfare's digital transformation, driven by ICTs and AI, increasingly challenges International Humanitarian Law and civilian protection.

Principles

• Digital warfare expands risks to civilians.
• IHL must adapt to emerging tech.
• ICTs are crucial for IHL advocacy.

In practice

• Integrate ICT/cyber dimensions into IHL policy.
• Incorporate emerging challenges into digital policy.
• Strengthen engagement with African states on protection.

Topics

• Cyber Warfare
• International Humanitarian Law
• Civilian Protection
• Information and Communication Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Global IHL Initiative
• African Union Policy

Best for: Policy Maker, Legal Professional, Consultant

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