Protection of Human Rights During Armed Conflicts: Challenges and Opportunities for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law

Abstract. Armed conflicts remain one of the greatest challenges for the international community, threatening fundamental international values and declared guarantees. The article analyses the current challenges and opportunities for the implementation of international law in the field of human rights protection during armed conflicts, in particular in the context of the war in Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to the effectiveness assessment of international legal mechanisms, such as the Geneva Conventions, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and the role of regional institutions, in particular the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. The article examines the key aspects of human rights violations during the war in Ukraine, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and violations of humanitarian law. The problems ensuring accountability for these crimes are analysed, including difficulties in documenting violations, collecting evidence and bringing perpetrators to justice. In the context about the war in Ukraine, is examined the role of international organisations such as the UN, OSCE and International Committee of the Red Cross in monitoring the situation and promoting compliance with humanitarian law. It also analyses the contribution of civil society and the media in highlighting human rights violations and creating international pressure on aggressor states. As a result, recommendations are made to improve the international legal mechanisms for the protection of human rights during armed conflicts. In particular, the author emphasises the need to strengthen cooperation between States, international organisations and civilsociety to ensure effective implementation of international law. Thus, the article contributes to the understanding of current challenges in the field of human rights protection during armed conflicts and suggests ways to improve existing legal instruments to ensure justice and accountability. Keywords: human rights protection, armed conflicts, international humanitarian law, challenges, legal mechanisms, law enforcement, international law, human rights, humanitarian protection, international organisations, legal order, civil society, cooperation.