Commissioner Hadja Lahbib delivered a compelling speech at the United Nations in New York on 22 September 2025, emphasizing the critical importance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) amid escalating global conflicts. Lahbib highlighted grave violations affecting millions, especially children, in zones such as Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mozambique, where attacks on hospitals and aid workers obstruct humanitarian relief.
The Imperative of Upholding IHL Lahbib portrayed IHL as a vital, battle-tested framework designed to protect civilians, aid workers, schools, and hospitals during armed conflicts. She argued against the perception that IHL is outdated, calling instead for reinforced global commitment to enforce these protections universally, rather than selectively. The Commissioner underlined that respect for IHL "saves lives" and urged that it should no longer be treated as "an à la carte menu."
Concrete Examples and Policy Orientation The speech refrained from introducing new policy instruments or specific legislative targets, instead focusing on advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy. Referencing successes like the ceasefire in South Sudan and the UN’s Children and Armed Conflict mandate releasing over 200,000 children from armed groups, Lahbib promoted diplomatic engagement and international cooperation as means for effective enforcement.
Political Significance and Stakeholder Impact Lahbib's position implicitly supports strengthening international supervision and enforcement of IHL, potentially increasing diplomatic and humanitarian activities by EU and UN bodies. For conflict-affected populations and humanitarian organizations, this stance offers hope for improved protection and aid flows. On the other hand, armed groups and state actors violating IHL may face enhanced international scrutiny and pressure. National governments may experience increased calls for compliance and cooperation, which could influence sovereignty debates.
Overall, the speech sets a diplomatic tone advocating for revitalized respect and pragmatism in IHL enforcement, balancing humanitarian protection against the complexities of conflict politics without committing to binding new institutional changes or budgets.
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