ICRC Global IHL Initiative
– State Consultation on Protecting Civilian Infrastructure (WS4).
Statement by Norway delivered by Minister Counsellor Mr. Arne Follerås.
Check statement against delivery.
03 February 2026
Norway welcomes this consultation under Workstream 4 of the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law.
Protecting civilians and safeguarding the essential services they rely on is a core priority in Norway’s humanitarian policy. The strategy emphasizes the particular risks in war in cities and the need to safeguard critical infrastructure, preventing harm, and ensuring respect for international humanitarian law (IHL).
Damage to civilian infrastructure that delivers essential services — electricity, healthcare, water systems, food supply chains, and critical inputs such as fuel and medicines — has severe, long-term consequences for the population. The cumulative effect on communities is devastating due to the protracted nature of many conflicts. Essential services like healthcare, education, water, and electricity are often disrupted for years, reversing development gains and exposing civilians to cumulative harm.
Full respect for IHL — including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions — is essential to minimizing harm to civilians and the systems they rely on.
Norway has had a longstanding political engagement addressing the risks and impact of war in cities on civilians. We initiated the Safe Schools declaration in 2015, endorsed by 122 states, allowing for a network of implementation. We have also been engaged in the protection of health care, and a strong supporter of the EWIPA declaration. In our revised military manual, obligations have been operationalized.
We would like to share our views on some issues from the concept paper:
1. Better protection of civilian infrastructure under parties’ control
Passive precautions under Article 58 of Additional Protocol I are essential. Parties should relocate military assets away from essential services, improve redundancy, strengthen physical protection, and develop interagency mechanisms that assess risks during hostilities.
Effective protection of civilians and civilian objects must be made a strategic priority in military planning in urban areas, with enhanced awareness of obligations under IHL and operational procedures reflecting these risks.
The principles of the declaration are included in the Norwegian Military Manual. It states that, as far as practically possible, the Armed Forces must avoid using civilian schools or universities for military purposes; if such facilities meet criteria for lawful targeting due to opponents use, all practically possible alternative measures must be considered before launching an attack.
2. Measures during peacetime to minimize future harm
Strengthening civil–military cooperation and conducting scenario-based planning also reflect Norway’s approach, which highlights preparedness and comprehensive planning as key pillars of effective civilian protection. We emphasize the importance of strengthening national systems before crises occur. Many vulnerabilities in essential services stem from prewar design choices and infrastructure interdependence. Integrating Ihl and protection of civilians in broader thinking and planning around national preparedness and security is important, it is also challenging and demands capacity and awareness raising across sectors.
The role of Red Cross and Red Crecent National Societies as auxiliary to government can play a constructive role in this regard.
3. Use of protected zones and practical measures
To the question asked in the concept paper on IHL mechanisms such as hospital zones, safety zones, and demilitarized zones] offer practical options to protect essential civilian infrastructure.
Norway supports exploring how demilitarized or neutralized zones can be adapted to protect critical services, provided that all parties agree and that zones remain free of military use.
Practical steps include standardized marking, shared digital mapping, public notification, and independent compliance monitoring.
In conclusion, Norway remains committed to working with partners to ensure that civilian infrastructure — and the populations that rely on it — receive the strongest possible protection in armed conflict.