Important Facts of the News
- Event hosted at Saudi National Defence University (SANDU) in Riyadh.
- Inaugurated by ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric and Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh Al Ruwaili.
- First time Saudi Arabia is hosting the Senior Workshop on International Rules Governing Military Operations (SWIRMO).
- Representatives from 90 countries participated.
- Discussions focused on applying International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in modern conflicts.
- Key themes included urban warfare, emerging technologies and multinational operations.
- SWIRMO was established in 2007 and has been hosted previously in eight countries.
- Workshop aims to strengthen respect for IHL and protect civilian lives during armed conflict.
Senior military officers from around the world convened in Riyadh for a major workshop examining how the laws of war apply in contemporary military operations. Hosted at the Saudi National Defence University, the gathering marks the first time Saudi Arabia has welcomed the Senior Workshop on International Rules Governing Military Operations (SWIRMO), signaling the country’s growing engagement in global dialogue on responsible military conduct.
Engagement on International Humanitarian Law
The workshop opened with remarks by Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), alongside Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh Al Ruwaili. Spoljaric noted that the discussions are taking place at a time when conflict situations are rising and the need to protect civilians is under significant pressure. The presence of delegates from 90 nations, including states with opposing interests, reflected shared responsibility in ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL).
Focus on Modern Battlefield Challenges
Participants explored how IHL applies in complex and rapidly changing conflict environments. Urban warfare, emerging military technologies and operations involving multiple armed actors formed key areas of discussion. The sessions emphasized practical methods to limit civilian harm and preserve human dignity, even in highly challenging combat conditions.
Established in 2007, SWIRMO has become a leading platform for global military dialogue on the rules governing the use of force. Previous editions have been held in France, South Africa, Malaysia, China, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan. The Riyadh edition builds on ongoing collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the ICRC and contributes to wider international efforts to limit human suffering in armed conflict.
Strengthening International Cooperation
The workshop reinforces commitments among military institutions to uphold international legal standards during conflict. By enabling direct exchanges between senior military leaders from different regions, it seeks to support practical implementation of IHL on real-world battlefields.