Civilian Casualties (CIVCAS)
206 Articles
State’s Program for Responding to Civilian Harm Caused by American Weapons Falls Short, But Should Not Be Abandoned
A well-resourced CHIRG could help prevent U.S. arms from being used unlawfully, and offer a credible response to critics of America’s global weapons transfers.
How Social Media Interventions Can Aid Atrocity Prevention
Bridging responsible social media with the expertise of those well-versed in the dynamics of mass violence can greatly bolster interventions.
The Just Security Podcast: Assessing the Laws of War
Cordula Droege, chief legal officer and head of the legal division of the International Committee of the Red Cross, assesses the laws of war.
The State Department’s Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance: How to Make a Good Thing Better
The State Department's Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance process is a good start but changes can improve function and transparency.
War and What We Make of the Law
Compliance with international humanitarian law must be about fulfilling its humanitarian purpose, not skirting its limits.
Key Takeaways from Biden Administration Report on Israeli Use of US Weapons
On Friday, May 10, the Biden administration released its overdue first report required by National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM-20) assessing the conduct of Israel and other foreign…
State Department Submits Key Report to Congress on Israel’s Use of US Weapons
The State Department submitted its NSM-20 report on Israeli assurances that use of U.S. weapons will follow international law.
For Another Year, DoD Fails to Make Condolence Payments to Civilian Harm Victims
Despite recent reforms, the Pentagon still has not made any condolence payments for civilian harm resulting from U.S. military operations.
A Quarter Century After the Ottawa Landmine Treaty, the World Needs a UN Fund for Victims
As use of the weapons accelerates, including in Ukraine, a proposed UN fund would provide direct support for victims and aid accountability.
Before Leaving Somalia, African Union Should Provide Compensation for Civilian Harm
The mission serves as an important precedent for others, so the international community must provide funding as a gesture of respect.
Membership in a Non-State Armed Group in the DoD Law of War Manual
A critical assessment of the U.S. DoD Law of War Manual's approach to membership status in non-State armed groups.
Nine Stories That Deserved More Attention in 2023 – and That May Shape 2024
What stories or topics merited more attention in 2023, with a particular eye toward what might inform law and policy conversations in 2024?