On 17-19 February, the High School of Public Governance held a training programme on International Humanitarian Law in the Professional Activity of Public Servants, which was developed in partnership with the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union. The programme was attended by 27 civil servants and local government officials who want to raise awareness of international humanitarian law and learn how to effectively apply its norms in their professional activities. The trainer was Nataliia Hendel, a leading researcher at the State Scientific Institution ‘Institute of Information, Security and Law of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine’, PhD in Law.

During the three-day intensive course, participants mastered the basics of international humanitarian law and gained practical skills in its application in armed conflict. Considerable attention was paid to documenting war crimes, drafting regulations and analysing their compliance with international standards. They also discussed policy communication in the context of international humanitarian law, stakeholder engagement, and mechanisms for implementing legal changes. Participants learnt to work in a team, make effective decisions and adapt to change, which are critical skills in today’s challenging environment.

Such training programmes are key to developing highly qualified public servants capable of acting in crises and armed conflicts. An in-depth understanding of international humanitarian law contributes not only to the legal protection of citizens, but also to the increased legal responsibility of state institutions. It is thanks to such initiatives that a professional environment is formed that is ready to implement changes and adhere to the highest standards of legal culture.