Amends refers to the practice of recognizing and providing assistance to civilians that have been harmed in war due to the presence, activities, and operations of armed actors. Making monetary payments to harmed civilians on the basis of national policy is one commonly understood form of amends. A growing number of governments have demonstrated interest in community-based amends in response to civilian harm during armed conflict. Community-based amends recognize that civilian harm often affects entire communities in ways that individual amends alone do not address. When shared infrastructure is destroyed, when neighborhoods lose access to water, healthcare, or education, when social networks and livelihoods are disrupted, or when environmental contamination affects entire populations, meaningful response may require addressing communities’ needs as a whole, in addition to responses to individuals.
However, states and militaries lack guidance on critical questions that determine whether such responses prove meaningful or are merely seen as performative. What do affected communities themselves consider meaningful amends, and how can their needs and preferences shape response frameworks? What is the appropriate role of militaries or governments in amends efforts that may closely resemble development or humanitarian assistance? How can community-level responses complement rather than displace amends and redress for individuals?
Relatively few practical examples exist to answer these questions, and little academic research has been conducted focused on community-based amends per se. This report draws from geographically diverse case studies, existing research on reparations and transitional justice, and expert consultations to formulate principles intended to inform the design and implementation of community-based amends. National governments, international institutions, military decision makers, legislators, and advocates may all benefit from these principles as they consider their approach to civilian harm response.
Read the full brief here.
