NOHA Riga Seminar / Humanitarian aid and international humanitarian law: perspectives on Ukraine

The seminar offers an excellent opportunity for interested parties to become acquainted with the nature of the provision of humanitarian aid, in particular, the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. You will also be given the opportunity to listen to the opinions of experts from the United Nations, the Red Cross, the institutions of the European Union and other organisations about the current humanitarian situation in Ukraine and the existing challenges in providing humanitarian aid.

"5.2 million people affected by the crisis in Ukraine, 1 in every 9 people. More than 7,000 killed; 1.2 million IDPs; 6-800,000 ?refugees. It is a region affected by war and by profound deep rooted poverty. We are doing a lot, but it is not enough. We need to crank up the humanitarian pipeline."
Neal Walker, UN Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator, and ?UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine

The European Union and its Member States, as well as other donors, provide support in crises through partners such as the UN agencies, the Red Cross and other international and local non-governmental organizations. However, access to conflict-affected areas remains a challenge, and many victims do not reach help. The effective coordination of assistance and safe, cost-efficient delivery of aid are real challenges. The seminar is designed to explore humanitarian practices and their side effects, coordination mechanisms, funding opportunities, as well as certain international standards and their application, with particular reference to Ukraine's experience.

The seminar is organized during the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and in the confirmation of the Union's commitment to defend international humanitarian law and to facilitate humanitarian best practice learning. It will be led by the Riga Graduate School of Law in cooperation with the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the international university association NOHA (Network on Humanitarian Action) and the European Commission.