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The current critical situation illustrates the lack of effectiveness of the regulatory and institutional framework developed since the creation of the United Nations and, especially, since the end of the Cold War, for the prevention and resolution of conflicts and to guarantee respect for International Humanitarian Law. (IHL). The recent decisions of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have so far had no tangible effects on the ground. The ICC faces a credibility crisis if the proceedings it has initiated fail to come to a conclusion, and is being attacked very harshly by several of the most important political actors on the international scene. In these circumstances, countries that truly support effective compliance with IHL should make common cause and clarify their position vis-à-vis those that do not comply and those that uphold them, in a uniform manner and without double standards. Direct humanitarian aid is very important to create appropriate conditions, but it is not the determining factor in conflict prevention and resolution. For prevention, robust political actions, preventive diplomacy, are necessary, with sufficient advance notice. Resolution requires long and deep processes, which go far beyond humanitarian action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]