Mr. President,

Alarmed by widespread violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) in conflicts around the world and the resulting human suffering, we note that in 2025 armed conflicts continued to impact the enjoyment of the human rights of MORE THAN TWO BILLION people – a quarter of humanity – and disproportionately affects civilians, especially women, children and vulnerable groups. More than 300 million people are estimated to depend on humanitarian assistance, the vast majority in situations of armed conflict.

Violations of IHL, including the targeting of civilians, the unlawful destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the denial of humanitarian access, exacerbate suffering not only by causing death and injury, but also by producing severe and long-lasting systemic consequences. Such violations impair the basic institutions and systems necessary for sustainable development, peace and stability, thereby undermining the full realization of economic, social and cultural rights.

Armed conflicts today generate profound social and economic disruption. They erode productive capacity, reverse development gains, strain public finances, and destabilize regions and global supply chains.

Mr. President,

Driven by a deep sense of collective responsibility and urgency to act decisively to stem the tide of violations of IHL, the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Support for International Humanitarian Law was launched. To date, 102 countries have joined this voluntary initiative, and more than 150 States have participated in its technical consultations, guided by shared cross-cutting principles. The initiative does not aim to create new norms or mechanisms, but to strengthen respect for and implementation of existing IHL.

Through its workstreams, the Global Initiative speaks to the defining humanitarian challenges of contemporary conflict. It advances prevention and stronger national ownership of international humanitarian law, affirms that respect for IHL is indispensable to rebuilding trust and enabling sustainable peace, and calls for the protection of civilians and the essential systems that sustain life — including medical care — while addressing emerging risks in technological and maritime domains. 

The six co-leaders of the Global Initiative and the ICRC have announced the convening of a High-Level Conference on Humanity in War in Jordan in the fourth quarter of 2026.

We invite the leaders of all States to come together at this pivotal moment and to unite around our shared responsibility: to prevent atrocities, preserve human dignity, and safeguard the foundations for sustainable peace.