South Africa has joined a group of global leaders reaffirming their commitment to protecting humanity during armed conflict, as the High-Level Conference on Humanity in War is confirmed for late 2026 in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The announcement forms part of the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), a multilateral effort co-founded by South Africa alongside Brazil, China, France, Jordan and Kazakhstan, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
South Africa’s participation reflects its long-standing commitment to human rights, multilateral cooperation and the protection of civilians during conflict, values deeply rooted in the country’s constitutional and diplomatic traditions. The initiative aims to strengthen global respect for International Humanitarian Law, which sets the rules designed to limit suffering, protect civilians and preserve human dignity in times of war.
His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan, together with the leaders of the founding states, has invited all nations to participate in the 2026 conference, which will serve as a platform for renewed political commitment at a time when conflicts worldwide continue to inflict devastating humanitarian consequences.
Launched in September 2024, the Global IHL Initiative was established in response to growing concern over violations of humanitarian norms and the evolving nature of modern warfare. South Africa has played an active role in shaping the initiative’s collaborative approach, which focuses on practical solutions rather than declarations alone.
To date, ninety-nine countries from across all regions have formally joined the initiative. Twenty-seven states are co-leading seven thematic workstreams focused on developing actionable recommendations to strengthen compliance with International Humanitarian Law, address emerging military technologies and improve protection for civilians and humanitarian workers.
Organisers say the High-Level Conference in 2026 will provide an opportunity for South Africa and other participating nations to help translate humanitarian principles into concrete action, reinforcing accountability, cooperation and ethical leadership on the global stage.
By placing human dignity at the centre of international engagement, South Africa’s involvement in the initiative underscores how diplomacy, shared values and collective responsibility can contribute to global stability, peace and sustainable development, even in the most challenging contexts.
