Armed Conflict
Just Security’s expert authors provide analysis on the legal, policy, and strategic dimensions of armed conflict, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, counterterrorism operations, conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, and other armed conflicts across the globe, with a focus on international humanitarian law, war crimes and accountability, mitigating and remedying civilian harm, and the humanitarian impacts of warfare.
3,544 Articles
Former UN High Commissioner Pillay Says It’s Time for the Human Rights Council to Act on Sri Lanka
She notes the Sri Lankan government has made clear that it has no intention of pursuing accountability for atrocities committed during the civil war.
Changing the Calculus to Support Peace in South Sudan
If the Biden administration takes concrete steps to counter the incentive structure, the world’s youngest country may finally have a chance at peace.
A Catalogue of Suffering Behind the Calls for Action on Sri Lanka’s War Crimes
Mapping a quarter century of war shows the patterns of violations that demand meaningful and credible truth and accountability processes.
The Human Rights Council Must Establish an Accountability Mechanism for Sri Lanka’s Victims
The record is abundantly clear that the country’s domestic mechanisms lack effectiveness and credibility. This is a gap that the UN uniquely can fill.
Avoiding Collateral Damage on the Battlefield
What are the rules on avoiding harm to civilians in armed conflict and how are they applied in an operational context? A detailed explainer on the processes, technologies, and…
Balancing the US Approach to the ICC
As the Biden administration develops a new direction in American foreign policy, the ICC is also charting a new institutional course.
#StopTheSteal: Timeline of Social Media and Extremist Activities Leading to 1/6 Insurrection
How a convergence of disinformation, domestic extremists and anti-democracy movements reached a horrifying climax at the U.S. Capitol.
US Re-Engagement in UN Human Rights Council Brings Influence, Leverage, Amb. Donahoe Says
On Sri Lanka and other issues, the Biden administration's decision sends the message that the protection of human rights is a deeply rooted priority.
Why Guantánamo Detainees Should Have Access to COVID Vaccines Part II: Federal Law and DoD Policies
In addition to a violation of the law of armed conflict and unsound policy, there's another reason the DOD's decision to suspend vaccination plans for Guantánamo detainees is…
Defining “Endless War” is Essential for Proper Strategic Analysis of America’s Wars
Clarifying what makes today’s war endless helps point toward the much-needed changes to existing authorizations and the culture that views military force as the proper response…
Sri Lanka’s UN Efforts to Stave Off Justice for War Crimes
The Rajapaksa government has gone so far as to install someone allegedly associated with a death squad on the Human Rights Council.
Why We Haven’t Made Progress on Civilian Protection
Three reasons for the lack of progress on reducing civilian casualties: We don’t learn, we don’t lead, and we don’t help our partners—or hold them to a high enough standard.