Geneva-Based NGO Trains Ukrainian Army in International Humanitarian Law

More than 5,000 Ukrainian fighters have now undergone rigorous training by the Geneva-based NGO Geneva Call, a critical initiative that bridges the gap between Swiss humanitarian ideals and the brutal reality of the Donbas trenches. This is not merely an academic exercise; it is a vital intervention in a conflict where the rules of engagement are tested daily. The organization grapples with the immense challenge of instilling International Humanitarian Law (IHL) into the minds of soldiers fighting for their nation's survival.

Operating directly within the war zone, Geneva Call targets volunteer units and regular army personnel, including drone pilots. The mission is clear: ensure that the protection of civilians and infrastructure remains paramount, even as the fog of war thickens. This massive undertaking underscores Switzerland's enduring legacy as the guardian of the Geneva Conventions. While the conflict rages, this Geneva-based entity is actively shaping the conduct of hostilities, proving that even in modern warfare, the laws of humanity must prevail.

Geneva Call has shattered the mold of traditional classroom instruction by deploying veterans to teach active-duty soldiers. These are not lawyers in suits; many are former fighters of the ongoing war, some wounded and forced to leave the front, who now return to share their visceral experiences. This peer-to-peer methodology cuts through the noise, allowing trainers to speak directly to the "fear, horror, and adrenaline rush" that dominates the battlefield.

Harald Mundt, Geneva Call’s security officer, explains that the training confronts the instinctive reactions triggered by combat stress. By using scenario-based exercises and digital platforms accessible offline, the organization ensures that soldiers can access critical decision-making tools even in the heat of battle. This pragmatic approach resonates deeply with troops who know that a split-second decision can define their survival and their moral standing. The program translates complex legal jargon into the gritty language of survival, making IHL a practical tool rather than an abstract concept.

The nature of the conflict has shifted dramatically, with drone warfare surging to unprecedented levels. According to Harald Mundt, while drones accounted for less than 10% of battlefield damage in early 2022, that figure has now skyrocketed to between 60% and 80%. This staggering statistic represents a fundamental transformation in how the war is fought and necessitates a rapid evolution in how humanitarian law is applied.

The ubiquity of unmanned systems introduces complex legal and ethical challenges. Drones are no longer just for surveillance; they are now capable of autonomous medical evacuations and lethal strikes. Geneva Call confronts this technological revolution head-on, adapting its curriculum to address the specific responsibilities of drone operators. As technology outpaces traditional warfare doctrines, the imperative to train pilots in distinguishing between military targets and protected civilians becomes more critical than ever.

Ukraine's commitment to IHL is not just a moral obligation; it is a strategic imperative in its bid for European Union and NATO membership. The government in Kyiv is acutely aware that adherence to Western standards of warfare is a prerequisite for integration. Following an October 2022 UN report that identified violations by both Russian and Ukrainian forces, the pressure to demonstrate discipline is immense.

By the end of 2024, the Ukrainian defense ministry formally pledged to institutionalize IHL training, signaling a top-level commitment to reform. This alignment with the Geneva Conventions—the backbone of international law—serves as a signal to the West that Ukraine is a disciplined, professional partner. Geneva Call’s program acts as a crucial enabler in this geopolitical maneuver, helping the Ukrainian army prove that it can fight a high-intensity war while upholding the values of the alliances it seeks to join.

The most harrowing aspect of the training forces soldiers to confront the ultimate test of discipline: treating the enemy. Harald Mundt poses the difficult question of who to treat first when a unit encounters wounded soldiers from both sides. While the temptation to prioritize their own comrades is overwhelming, IHL dictates that the most seriously wounded must be treated first, regardless of uniform.

This principle of impartiality is the bedrock of the Geneva Conventions. Tina Gewis, a regional director for Geneva Call, notes that this reality "brings home the relevance of IHL." Soldiers understand that the rules protecting their enemies today are the same rules that protect them should they fall into captivity. By instilling this reciprocity, Geneva Call ensures that even amidst the chaos of invasion, the fundamental tenets of humanity are preserved. It is a stark reminder that the laws of war are designed to protect all participants from the descent into barbarism.