Armed Conflict
Civilian Harm
313 Articles
UN Fact-Finding Mission Should Recognize Gender Persecution in Iran
The 55th Session of the U.N. Human Rights Council should also include renewing the mandate of the fact-finding mission.
“The time for decisive action is now”: Former U.N. Experts Open Letter on Rafah
"Given the catastrophic humanitarian and human rights situation in Rafah, we wish to take the extraordinary step of expressing ourselves collectively ..."
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Pentagon’s New Civilian Harm Policy
In December 2023, the Department of Defense (DOD) quietly released its Instruction on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR DOD-I), which was mandated by Section 936 of the…
As Senate Considers New Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Human Rights Focus Would Strengthen US Policy
As government forces battle armed groups in Burkina Faso, civilians face daily abuses, even death, amid a range of violations of their security and their property. At least 6,201…
Not Reassuring: NSM-20 and the Limits of Law-of-War Assurances in the Transfer of U.S. Arms
Analysis of how Biden's National Security Memorandum (NSM-20) may operate in regulating the transfer of U.S. arms amid concerns of international humanitarian law violations.
How Israel Took the Terrorists’ Bait
To thwart Hamas’s strategy, Israel must commit to protect civilians. And Biden must defend human rights and international law with action.
National Security at the United Nations This Week (Feb. 5-Feb. 9)
Developments at the United Nations at the intersection of national security, human rights, and the rule of law.
Protected Persons and the ‘Geographic Nexus’ Requirement in the DoD Law of War Manual
A critical assessment of how the Department of Defense Law of War Manual narrowly defines "protected persons" under the Geneva Conventions.
Planning Ahead: How the US May Recover Its Diplomatic Standing at the UN After the Gaza War
Amid the tensions, the Biden administration can try to win back some goodwill with careful steps to bolster a fragile multilateral system.
Why the ICJ Ruling Misses the Mark: Mitigating Civilian Harm With An Enemy Engaged in Human Shielding
Former CENTCOM Commander General (ret.) Joseph Votel and Professor Claire Finkelstein critically analyze South Africa's positions before the International Court of Justice in…
Finding Light in the Darkness: A Meditation on Remembrance
(Adapted from an address delivered today at a joint Muslim-Jewish observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Srebrenica Memorial Center in Potoćari, Bosnia and…
The Just Security Podcast: ICJ Provisional Measures in South Africa v. Israel
Three experts join the show to unpack the ICJ provisional measures in South Africa's genocide case against Israel.