The 21st Century has seen an increase in good practices in promotion of IHL. The reality, though, is that implementation of IHL and compliance with it are still insufficient; and even when IHL is implemented, its protective purpose is often ignored. 

In an era where political commitment for compliance with IHL remains elusive, patterns of violations continue to cause immense human suffering, destruction, and unmet humanitarian needs. While adherence to IHL ultimately lies in the hands of parties to armed conflicts, broader efforts are necessary to foster a culture of respect for its principles.