About Diakonia IHL Programme

The overriding goal of the Diakonia International Humanitarian Law (IHL) programme is to increase respect of and further implement international law, specifically international humanitarian law, in Israel and Palestine.

By raising awareness of IHL within Israeli and Palestinian societies and the International Community and by advancing IHL’s implementation in this conflict, we hope to contribute to the improvement of the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and promote peace. This includes promoting knowledge and respect for IHL toward a change of policies among decision makers regarding IHL and to improve accountability for the benefit of society and victims.

Why working on IHL?

Increased respect for International Humanitarian Law is a mean to improve the humanitarian situation, and create a possibility for peace in the region. Lack of knowledge and lack of political will are usually the main reasons for not respecting international humanitarian law. Through this program, Diakonia works toward tackling the root cause of conflict by addressing the issue of lack of knowledge and awareness to IHL, as well as advocates for its respect.

We seek to increase awareness

The program seeks to increase awareness to International Humanitarian Law among:

Israeli and Palestinian NGOs, media, youth/students, women, lawyers and the general public in Israel and Palestine.
The international community present in the occupied Palestinian territory - international NGOs, international agencies such as UN and EU bodies and diplomatic missions as well as decision makers visiting the area.
Churches and church based organizations present in or visiting the occupied Palestinian territory.

As far as possible, the disseminated IHL information and work with partner organizations also include a gender perspective.