A Regional High-Level Workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Disarmament was held today in Addis Ababa.

Opening the event, State Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Hadera Abera, emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

He stressed that disarmament is both a legal obligation and a practical pathway to ensuring compliance with IHL.

Ambassador Hadera highlighted Africa’s dual reality: while the continent has endured devastating conflicts that displaced millions and hindered development, it has also demonstrated resilience through regional mechanisms and community efforts to uphold dignity.

He noted Ethiopia’s concrete steps toward humanitarian disarmament, including the Ethiopian Mine Action Office, the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Programme, and the Firearm Administration and Control Proclamation of 2020. Ethiopia’s role as co-chair of the IHL and Peace Work Stream was also reaffirmed.

The workshop also featured remarks from Simone Casabianca Aeschlimann of the ICRC and Cordula Droege, Head of the ICRC’s Legal Division, who underscored the need to uphold international humanitarian laws.

The event concluded with a high-level panel discussion.

Following the panel, participants engaged in a Q&A session, exchanging experiences and best practices to advance disarmament and reinforce respect for IHL.