Kazakhstan Reaffirms its Commitment to International Humanitarian Law in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Island States, DKNews.kz reports.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to South Africa, Yerkin Akhinzhanov, took part in the 24th Regional Seminar on the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Island States. The seminar focused on the theme Calling for humanity to be upheld in war: Galvanizing Political Commitment to IHL and was co organized by the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The event brought together Moud Dlomo, Deputy Director General of the DIRCO, Jean-Nicolas Paquet-Rouleau, Head of Regional Delegation, ICRC Pretoria, representatives of regional UN agencies and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in South Africa.
Participants discussed the Global Initiative to Strengthen Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law. This initiative was launched in 2024 by Brazil, Jordan, Kazakhstan, China, France and South Africa in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
In his remarks, Ambassador Akhinzhanov emphasized the utmost importance of upholding international humanitarian law and called to reinforce international political will to ensure its full implementation. He highlighted the role of the Global Initiative in uniting the efforts of States to address rising humanitarian challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the South African side, the Deputy Director General underlined the need to safeguard the principles of international humanitarian law. She outlined South Africa’s contribution to global security and stressed that the country sees itself not as a recipient, but as an active participant and contributor to international peace and stability.
Kazakhstan’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting humanitarian principles, strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law and protecting civilians affected by armed conflict. It also demonstrated the country’s readiness to continue working with States and international partners in the lead up to the high-level meeting of the Global Initiative planned for 2026.
