Syria formally joins initiative to renew compliance with international humanitarian law
Syria has joined the Global Initiative to Renew Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, a move that has been described as reflecting a sincere will to contribute to international efforts to promote respect for international humanitarian law.
Damascus's representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, handed over the accession document to the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spolijric Eger, during an official meeting at the organization's headquarters.
A political and humanitarian message
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that this step embodies the new Syria's approach based on respect for international law, stressing that the decision comes in fulfillment of the sacrifices and human suffering of Syrians that resulted from the grave violations committed by the former regime against the people.
The Foreign Ministry stressed that Syria's accession to this initiative "reflects its sincere will to contribute effectively to international efforts aimed at promoting respect for international humanitarian law."
The ministry saw the joining as a way to enhance "constructive participation in the formulation of practical and future recommendations that contribute to the protection of civilians, reduce human suffering, and consolidate the principles of humanity in armed conflicts."
It expressed Syria's aspiration to "contribute responsibly and constructively to this international process, based on its commitment to respect international law, promote multilateral action, and transform humanitarian principles into concrete practical commitments on the ground."
The ministry reiterated the country's commitment to "continue cooperating with international partners, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in a way that contributes to strengthening respect for international humanitarian law and supporting international efforts aimed at protecting and preserving human dignity in all circumstances."
What is this initiative?
The Global Initiative for the Renewal of Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law (GISL) is a high-level international platform that seeks to restore global momentum to respect the "laws of war" in light of the escalation of armed conflicts around the world.
The initiative was launched in September 2024 at the initiative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and in partnership with 6 founding countries: Jordan, Brazil, China, France, Kazakhstan, and South Africa, to address the sharp deterioration and gross violations of the laws of war in contemporary conflicts. Since its inception, the initiative has expanded to include some 100 countries.
It aims to urge Member States to translate theoretical pledges into concrete practical commitments on the ground, by strengthening mechanisms to protect civilians, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, and protecting critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools.
The initiative also focuses on opening channels of diplomatic dialogue in cooperation with international organizations to formulate future recommendations and standards that keep pace with the challenges of modern warfare and ensure the preservation of human dignity.
The initiative witnessed intensive rounds of consultations among member states, and its work is scheduled to culminate in the convening of a high-level meeting entitled "Respect for the Principle of Humanity in War" during 2026, to approve the final recommendations and confirm practical commitments.
In this direction, the initiative seeks to reposition international humanitarian law at the center of global politics, transforming humanitarian principles into concrete practical steps to protect civilians in armed conflict.