Civilian Harm

× Clear Filters
196 Articles
In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) greets US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (L) prior to their talks in Moscow on April 25, 2025. (Photo by KRISTINA KORMILITSYNA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Why a Ukraine-Russia Amnesty Would Violate Geneva Convention Obligations

An amnesty in any future peace plan would be unlawful and a moral abdication of the pursuit of accountability for victims in Russia's war in Ukraine.
Two women sit inside a dark concrete shelter, one on a single bed draped in what appears to be blue mosquito netting, the other on a low stool, in Adwa, Ethiopia on March 30, 2025. A window with bars in the top right of the image provides a little light. Buckets and what appear to be cooking implements sit on the barren floor.

In Ethiopia, an Unfinished Peace Risks Betraying the People of Tigray and the Broader Region

A confluence of factors threatens to reignite the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region, exacerbating displacement and human suffering, and destabilizing the entire region.
The Just Security Podcast Cover Image

The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part IV

Co-hosted with RCLS, a panel of experts discuss the Trump administration's continued campaign of lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers.
US Marines unload from an Osprey V-22 aircraft at Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport

Killing Shipwrecked Survivors is Not Just Illegal—It Endangers U.S. Servicemembers

If the United States chooses a path where killing defenseless survivors becomes acceptable, American servicemembers will pay the price for that choice.
Military justice image

Professional Responsibility and the Boat Strikes

Legal and ethical debates surge around unreleased OLC memo on lethal boat strikes in the Caribbean, with growing calls for transparency and scrutiny of military lawyers.
A member of the Philippine Navy looks out at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer Takanami during a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea on June 14, 2025. (Photo by STR/JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images)

Much Work to Do and No Time to Waste: Mitigating Civilian Harm in an Asia-Pacific Conflict

Civilian harm is not entirely avoidable during armed conflict, but it can be anticipated and its severity limited. In Asia-Pacific, this depends entirely on steps taken now.
An injured boy lays on his back in a van as two others attend to his wounds.

The Political Theater Behind Trump’s “Guns-a-Blazing” Nigeria Threat

Trump’s threat of military intervention in Nigeria may be intended more for domestic audiences and wouldn't address the drivers of the country's conflict.

A Point of Clarification Re the International Lawyers’ Statement on Gaza

Israeli international law scholars write about their prior letter published by Just Security and a recent article published at Just Security as well.
Two Afghan women wearing, from left to right, a light blue and a darker blue burqa sit on the ground with baskets in front of them and what appears to be a more formal market stall behind them, in Mazar-i-Sharif on October 2, 2025. At the left of the photo next to the women is a wheelbarrow turned against a wall. (Photo by ATIF ARYAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Walls of Silence, Crumbling Futures: Why the World Must Act on Afghanistan

The credibility of the U.N.'s human rights framework depends on whether it can confront a systematic experiment in gender oppression with more than statements of alarm.
Palestinians watch smoke billowing during Israeli strikes upon arrival on a coastal path

International Lawyers Unite in Joint Statement on Gaza

An eight-point statement signed by 270 international law scholars demonstrates a convergence of views on Gaza and international law.
An infantry recruit of the 28th Seperate Mechanized Brigade runs from a simulated drone attack during a basic training course at an undislosed location in eastern Ukraine on October 11, 2025. (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

Drones are Changing How Wars Harm Civilians

Drones are rapidly changing war. Without urgent, collective action, their use will lead to greater civilian harm in conflicts.
A man stands in front of military vehicles

As Europe Rearms, Learn from the Pentagon’s Efforts to Modernize Civilian Protection

European militaries can adapt and operationalize civilian protection as they increase defense spending to protect themselves against Russia.
1-12 of 196 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: