Civilian Casualties (CIVCAS)
218 Articles
Protecting Civilians from Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas: A New Political Declaration
On June 17, states gathered at the United Nations (U.N.) in Geneva to discuss the final draft of a potentially ground-breaking political declaration that sets new and express standards…
Toward a Better Accounting of the Human Toll in Putin’s War of Aggression
With the war entering its fourth month, the United Nations and others should address the killing of Ukrainian soldiers as well as Russian conscripts who Putin has effectively sent…
Defense Dept Law of War Manual and Its Unintended Readings: On Civilians Assuming Risk of Harm
The Manual risks creating a false impression that is not intended by the senior Defense Department leadership who produced the Manual — a problem that could significantly undervalue…
DoD Needs to Rethink its Civilian Casualty Reporting Mechanism
Current reporting mechanisms are opaque and not user-friendly for civilians seeking to use them in conflict-prone areas.
The Prohibition on Indiscriminate Attacks: The US Position vs. the DoD Law of War Manual
Timely analysis especially given recent U.S. government condemnations of Russia's indiscriminate attacks in Ukraine.
Congressional Action on Civilian Harm Resulting from U.S. Military Operations: Part I
Congress has introduced two landmark bills aimed at addressing systemic problems with civilian harm.
Congressional Action on Civilian Harm Resulting from U.S. Military Operations: Part II
Congress has introduced two landmark bills aimed at addressing systemic problems with civilian harm.
DoD Can’t Move Forward on Civilian Casualties Without Looking Back
"Neglecting past cases would be a grave mistake that could damage the credibility of an otherwise promising process."
Neutrality in Humanitarian Actions Means Talking to All Parties to a Conflict
Criticism of ICRC's diplomacy with Russia misunderstands the role of humanitarian actors.
What I Told Congress about U.S. Lethal Strikes
Congress should take steps to end America’s war-based approach to counterterrorism policy.
Clear Error in the Defense Department’s Law of War Manual: On Presumptions of Civilian Status
This article is the first in a new project at Just Security that assesses the U.S. Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual with a goal of providing constructive opportunities…
A Big Step Forward or Running in Place?: The Pentagon’s New Policy on Civilian Casualties
New Pentagon effort to respond to civilian harm is encouraging, but DOD needs to demonstrate leadership, scope the problem correctly, and address the growing credibility gap to…