At the end of October, the Latvian Red Cross organized a seminar titled “International Humanitarian Law and Communication in Social Media,” which brought together LSK regional committee executive directors, their deputies, project coordinators, program managers, and LSK Youth volunteers.
The aim of the seminar was to strengthen knowledge of international humanitarian law (IHL) and to enhance communication skills that help create clear, humane, and responsible content on social media in everyday work.
In the first part, participants, together with sworn attorney Andris Tauriņš, explored the history of IHL and its main principles – humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and protection. They also discussed how to integrate these principles into LSK’s work – in first aid activities at schools, youth engagement, and public awareness efforts.
In the second part, participants practiced and developed their understanding of public communication principles, especially when representing the Red Cross Movement on social media. They learned how to create humane and inspiring stories, use visual elements with respect and ethics, and apply neutral and inclusive language. Through practical exercises, participants sought answers to questions such as how to capture attention in the first three seconds, how to respond to misinformation, and how to distinguish personal communication from the organization’s official voice.
Considering the complex geopolitical situation, LSK continues to devote special attention to explaining IHL and to first aid (FA) training at all levels, focusing on preparedness for emergency situations. In addition, LSK FA program staff, together with LSK Youth, are planning activities in schools, including first aid competitions for students, as well as summer day and overnight camps, where readiness for crisis situations will be particularly emphasized.
Many thanks to all participants for their active involvement and willingness to improve their knowledge – together we build more humane, safer, and clearer communication!
Thank you to Andris Tauriņš, attorney from the law firm “Sorainen,” for the valuable introductory lecture on IHL.
Together we can help!
The event was organized with the financial support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
