IHL in Focus Annual Report: Assessing Compliance Across 22 Conflicts

26 February 2025

Today we release the IHL in Focus: Annual Report, which documents and analyses compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in some of the world’s most pressing conflicts. It sheds light not only on the well-documented crises dominating global headlines but also on the many violations that unfold in the shadows.

Covering 22 active conflicts between July 2023 and June 2024, this year’s report provides a comprehensive analysis of violence patterns, compliance challenges, and emerging trends in modern warfare. By employing a data-driven, impartial methodology, our research team rigorously assesses violations of IHL without taking a stance on the legitimacy of conflicts. Our goal is to document breaches—not to determine individual criminal responsibility or legal culpability.

KEY FINDINGS: A STARK PICTURE OF IHL COMPLIANCE

The report explores critical areas of concern, including:

• The conduct of hostilities and civilian protection
• Deprivation of liberty and treatment of detainees
• Humanitarian relief challenges and access restrictions
• Targeting of medical facilities, forced displacement, child soldier recruitment, and sexual violence

‘The world stands on the brink of a crisis with respect to international humanitarian law. Violations—once seen as aberrations—are now persistent, widespread, and, perhaps most alarmingly, increasingly met with indifference by states. The scope and scale of these breaches underscore the urgent need to reaffirm the principles of humanity in armed conflict, strengthen multilateralism, and place prevention at the fore of policymaking.’ – Dr Erica Harper, Head of Research and Policy Studies, Geneva Academy

At its core, this report serves as a tool for action. We encourage governments, NGOs, and international organizations to use its findings to strengthen compliance efforts, humanitarian diplomacy, and advocacy. While IHL cannot prevent conflict, it establishes a fundamental baseline of humanity that must be upheld—even in war.

EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF IHL MONITORING

The IHL in Focus initiative is evolving. Future editions will analyze an even broader spectrum of conflicts and delve deeper into specialized issues, with spot reports on urgent humanitarian concerns complementing our ongoing assessments. This long-term commitment underscores the Geneva Academy’s dedication to advancing respect for IHL worldwide.

The IHL in Focus Global Report is now available here.