Faith Groups Urge States to Strengthen Humanitarian Law
A joint statement from Caritas Internationalis, ACT Alliance, and the World Council of Churches calls on governments to back faith-based actors in conflict dialogue.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Christianity
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Caritas Internationalis, ACT Alliance, and the World Council of Churches released a joint statement on international humanitarian law following the Global International Humanitarian Law Dialogue in Geneva on November 3-4. The statement presents findings from an applied research project covering Colombia, Nigeria, and the Philippines.
Why it matters
The research found that religious leaders can engage armed actors, address dehumanising narratives, and open space for dialogue, often behind closed doors. The statement positions faith-based organisations as partners in early warning, humanitarian dialogue, and peacebuilding.
The research covered three countries: Colombia, Nigeria, and the Philippines, and was conducted in partnership with the Geneva Graduate Institute. The statement calls on states to strengthen national international humanitarian law committees, invest in community-based education, and resource local faith-based organisations as equal partners.
The players
Caritas Internationalis
Caritas Internationalis is a confederation of Catholic relief, development, and social service organisations operating across more than 160 countries.
World Council of Churches
The World Council of Churches is a global fellowship of Christian churches and denominations founded in 1948, seeking Christian unity and joint action on social issues.
ACT Alliance
ACT Alliance is a coalition of Protestant and Orthodox churches and related organisations engaged in humanitarian, development, and advocacy work worldwide.
The details
The research examined international humanitarian law and faith-based advocacy in three countries and emphasized strengthening institutions, anchoring identities in humanity, and embedding safeguards against violations. Faith-based organisations hold relationships of trust and work through local networks rooted in communities.
Timeline
Global International Humanitarian Law Dialogue held in Geneva on November 3-4, 2026
Joint statement released on November 4, 2026
Christianity in Global Affairs
The statement extends the Geneva Conventions framework by urging states to resource faith-based actors as partners in enforcing humanitarian norms. Its emphasis on local religious networks reflects the ecumenical cooperation of the World Council of Churches and its partners.
Faith-based organisations in conflict-affected countries may gain formal recognition and resources as partners in dialogue and early warning if states adopt the statement's recommendations. Local religious leaders could see expanded roles in peacebuilding and humanitarian education.
The takeaway
Faith communities hold trusted local networks that governments and humanitarian bodies may increasingly need to reach populations in conflict, and this statement asks states to formally recognize that role.
Further reading
Explore more on Christianity and how faith communities engage global humanitarian efforts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by World Council of Churches.
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