ICRC Director-General Highlights Humanitarian Imperatives at Global Security Forum

Held under the theme “The Impact of Non-State Actors on Global Security,” this year’s Forum convened policymakers, diplomats, and security experts from around the world to explore shifting threats and responses in an increasingly complex landscape.

In his remarks, Krähenbühl spoke of the urgent need to uphold the rules of war and address the human cost of protracted conflicts. “Wars today are becoming the graveyards of our humanity,” he stated, highlighting the erosion of respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) and the normalization of violence against civilians and humanitarian workers. He also emphasized the ICRC’s work in over 100 conflict zones, including Gaza, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and praised Qatar’s leadership in mediation efforts.

“Respect for IHL is not an abstract principle, it is the difference between dignity and despair for millions caught in conflict,” he added, calling for renewed political courage and collective action.

As part of the visit, the Director-General also held high-level bilateral meetings with key Qatari dignitaries, including HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and HE Mariam Al-Misnad, Minister of International Cooperation, and HE Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Misnad, National Security Advisor to the State of Qatar. He also met with Mr. Raed al-Saleh, Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management. These meetings focused on regional humanitarian challenges, opportunities for strengthened cooperation, and ways to scale joint efforts in conflict-affected contexts.

Held on the margins of the Global Security Forum, the ICRC convened a closed-door roundtable as part of its Global Initiative on IHL, specifically within the “IHL and Peace” workstream, with support from the Soufan Center. The session brought together senior officials and ambassadors from 13 countries—including Colombia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Switzerland, Norway, Sudan, Kenya, South Korea, Brazil, Canada, the DRC, Japan, and Egypt—as well as representatives from the Qatar Red Crescent Society. Moderated by Krähenbühl, the discussion focused on how IHL can be leveraged to support mediation efforts and contribute to sustainable peace. IHL was highlighted as a trust-building tool and a strategic entry point into peace processes. States shared concrete examples of how IHL commitments have shaped dialogue, facilitated humanitarian access, and fostered post-conflict reconciliation. Participants emphasized the importance of integrating IHL early in peace frameworks. The insights from this consultation will inform a set of practical recommendations to be shared in 2026.

The ICRC’s engagement at the Global Security Forum reflects its continued commitment to principled humanitarian action and dialogue at the highest levels, in pursuit of greater protection for civilians and promote adherence to IHL.