By: Cornelia Walles and Clémence Vélon-Bazzana, Communications Associates
The 2025 Anna Lindh Lecture, delivered by Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management, brought a full auditorium to Lund University’s historic University Hall on 13 November. The event drew students, faculty, local residents, ambassadors, government officials, and other visiting dignitaries — highlighting both the timeliness of the topic and the growing international attention to the state of international humanitarian law (IHL).
The evening opened with classical performances by Sten Ullua Carler and saxophonist Albin Rickman, setting an atmosphere of reflection and solemnity.
Lund University’s Vice-Chancellor Erik Renström welcomed participants, followed by Peter Lundberg, Executive Director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI), whose remarks underscored the enduring relevance of the humanitarian principles at the heart of IHL — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence — noting that these foundations are under unprecedented strain. He invoked the moral clarity of Raoul Wallenberg and Anna Lindh, reminding the audience that for both leaders, law and compassion were not optional, but essential.
Commissioner Lahbib’s Lecture
In her lecture, Commissioner Lahbib reflected on today’s conflicts as a test of global conscience, noting that “international promises written in law are now broken in blood.” She called for renewed political courage to defend the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence, stressing that they “are not optional; they are universal.” From Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan, she argued, civilians are paying the price when humanitarian norms are disregarded, and she urged Europe and the broader international community to recommit to safeguarding IHL through leadership, accountability, and collective action.
Listen to the full lecture: https://soundcloud.com/onhumanrights/hadja-lahbib-strengthening-compliance-with-international-humanitarian-law-in-a-fragmented-world-anna-lindh-lecture-2025
A transcript of the full lecture can be found at: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_25_2689
High-Level Roundtable: Advancing IHL in a Fragmented Global Order
Before the public lecture, Commissioner Lahbib joined ambassadors, scholars, and humanitarian experts at a high-level roundtable hosted by RWI. The discussion focused on the growing strain on international humanitarian law amid today’s fragmented geopolitical landscape. Participants highlighted the disproportionate impact of contemporary conflicts on civilians, the withdrawal of humanitarian funding in several regions, and the rising threats to hospitals, schools, and humanitarian workers. The Commissioner emphasised that the first victims of any conflict are always the most fragile, underlining the EU’s responsibility as the world’s largest humanitarian donor and the need for principled humanitarian diplomacy grounded in reliable data and strong partnerships.
The roundtable also explored the widening gap between humanitarian needs and available resources, and the critical importance of credible, systematic information to inform policy, counter misinformation, and strengthen accountability. RWI’s International Humanitarian Law Compliance Monitoring Database (ICMD) was highlighted as a timely and essential contribution to this effort. Participants agreed that initiatives like ICMD can help move the international community from “belief to evidence,” enabling earlier risk identification, better operational planning, and more consistent protection of civilians. Across the table, there was strong consensus that defending IHL today requires renewed cooperation between states, civil society, academia, and the private sector — and that new tools and partnerships will be vital to uphold humanitarian principles in the years ahead.
Visit to Swedish Emergency Preparedness Institutions
Earlier in the day, Commissioner Lahbib visited the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and the Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Center at Lund University (LUPREP). Discussions focused on Sweden’s total defence model, civil service mobilisation, and national efforts to strengthen crisis response — areas aligned closely with her European Commission portfolio. These exchanges highlighted Sweden’s important role in European preparedness and showcased RWI’s ability to connect global legal frameworks with national practice.
Partners
The 2025 Anna Lindh Lecture was organised in collaboration with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, the Anna Lindh Memorial Foundation, Lund University, and the Association of Foreign Affairs (UPF Lund).
For more information about the Anna Lindh Lecture series and upcoming events, please visit rwi.lu.se.