Senior Workshop on Laws of War Kicks Off in Riyadh with Global Military Participation
Saudi Arabia hosts the annual ICRC-led SWIRMO for the first time as over 90 countries gather to discuss international humanitarian law and modern warfare
More than 90 nations have sent senior commanders to Riyadh this week for the Senior Workshop on International Rules governing Military Operations (SWIRMO), marking the first time the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)-led event is held in Saudi Arabia.
The workshop, co-hosted at the Saudi National Defence University (SANDU), was formally opened by ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric and Saudi Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh Al Ruwaili.
The gathering brings together commanders and senior officers from across the globe to examine how international humanitarian law (IHL) – commonly known as the laws of war – applies in contemporary military operations.
Key themes include urban warfare, emerging technologies and multinational operations, with a strong emphasis on reducing civilian harm and safeguarding human dignity in conflict.
In her opening remarks, President Spoljaric said the timing of this year’s workshop is “pivotal”, given the rise in frequency and intensity of armed conflicts and the mounting strain on the rules designed to protect civilians.
She noted that the presence of representatives from ninety countries – including states on opposite sides of current frontlines – underscores “the responsibility of all states” to ensure respect for IHL.
Since 2007, SWIRMO has served as the ICRC’s flagship global military-engagement forum, held in locations such as France, South Africa, Malaysia, China, the United Arab Emirates and most recently Azerbaijan.
The decision to host this year’s edition in Riyadh reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing role in advancing global dialogue on responsible military conduct and the application of IHL.
Saudi officials said the workshop contributes to the Kingdom’s broader agenda of enhancing cooperation in defence-education and international humanitarian frameworks.
For the international military participants, the forum offers practical modules on integrating IHL into doctrine, training and operational planning – a reflection of the evolving complexity of modern warfare and the need for a shared ethical baseline.
Participants will spend the week in plenary sessions, scenario-based exercises and round-table workshops focused on how IHL can be embedded in decision-making processes at the highest levels of command.
The Riyadh forum is expected to conclude with a joint statement affirming commitments to uphold the laws of war and translate them from policy into practice on the battlefield.
The workshop, co-hosted at the Saudi National Defence University (SANDU), was formally opened by ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric and Saudi Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh Al Ruwaili.
The gathering brings together commanders and senior officers from across the globe to examine how international humanitarian law (IHL) – commonly known as the laws of war – applies in contemporary military operations.
Key themes include urban warfare, emerging technologies and multinational operations, with a strong emphasis on reducing civilian harm and safeguarding human dignity in conflict.
In her opening remarks, President Spoljaric said the timing of this year’s workshop is “pivotal”, given the rise in frequency and intensity of armed conflicts and the mounting strain on the rules designed to protect civilians.
She noted that the presence of representatives from ninety countries – including states on opposite sides of current frontlines – underscores “the responsibility of all states” to ensure respect for IHL.
Since 2007, SWIRMO has served as the ICRC’s flagship global military-engagement forum, held in locations such as France, South Africa, Malaysia, China, the United Arab Emirates and most recently Azerbaijan.
The decision to host this year’s edition in Riyadh reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing role in advancing global dialogue on responsible military conduct and the application of IHL.
Saudi officials said the workshop contributes to the Kingdom’s broader agenda of enhancing cooperation in defence-education and international humanitarian frameworks.
For the international military participants, the forum offers practical modules on integrating IHL into doctrine, training and operational planning – a reflection of the evolving complexity of modern warfare and the need for a shared ethical baseline.
Participants will spend the week in plenary sessions, scenario-based exercises and round-table workshops focused on how IHL can be embedded in decision-making processes at the highest levels of command.
The Riyadh forum is expected to conclude with a joint statement affirming commitments to uphold the laws of war and translate them from policy into practice on the battlefield.
