Kyiv, March 20, 2025 – Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) hosted its International Conference, “Civilians in Armed Conflict: Strengthening the Protection of Civilians at the Community Level during Full-scale Invasion – Response, Roles, and Resilience in Ukraine,’ this week. The event was organized in partnership with the Central Department of Civil-Military Cooperation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with support from the European Union.
The conference brought together government officials, regional military administrations, representatives from territorial communities in border regions, international organizations, military personnel, and civil society members. Discussions focused on key challenges, best practices in protecting civilians during wartime, international experiences, and strategies for strengthening civil-military cooperation in Ukraine.
Investing in local communities to support their self-protection emerged as a key lesson from the discussions. “We must enable civilians and their communities to protect themselves — not as a substitute for international legal obligations, but as a complement that makes those obligations achievable,” said Omar Ahmed Abenza in his opening remarks. “States and organizations should prioritize funding and supporting initiatives that grow the capacity of local actors — from municipal governments and civil society groups to volunteer networks and community leaders — so that civilian protection is woven into the very fabric of society.”
Speakers with international perspectives emphasized the importance of protecting civilians in armed conflict. Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine Natalie Cmoc, human rights activist and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission Daniel Bell, and EU Military Adviser Jaak Mee shared insights from their countries and organizations on enhancing civilian safety in conflict zones.
Representatives of Ukraine’s security and defense forces — including the Central Department of Civil-Military Cooperation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the National Police — discussed civilian protection mechanisms in the face of large-scale rocket and bomb attacks, as well as ongoing threats from Russia.
Representatives from regional military administrations and local communities presented successful civilian protection initiatives implemented in their regions that have helped reduce civilian harm.
On the second day, the conference transitioned into an open dialogue, where representatives of local authorities, civil society organizations, and law enforcement agencies explored ways to strengthen cooperation for civilian protection. Participants engaged in group sessions to analyze key challenges and develop practical recommendations.
The event underscored the critical need for coordinated efforts between government agencies, military structures, and communities to protect civilians during wartime. Effective collaboration is essential for enhancing protection, building trust, and ensuring fundamental rights — even in the most challenging circumstances.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Global CIVIC Communications: [email protected]
In Kyiv: Communications Manager, Liudmyla Gitsevych, +380967377810 , [email protected]
Spokespersons are available in English and Ukrainian
CIVIC in Ukraine
CIVIC has been present in Ukraine since 2017, conducting research and on-the-ground activities assisting the Ukrainian government and the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the development and implementation of tools, training, and policies on protection of civilians. CIVIC in Ukraine is also supporting local communities in the areas at risk of escalation of hostilities and in newly liberated areas by strengthening their preparedness and resilience to protection threats, building effective coordination systems with the military, local authorities and communities, and amplifying civilians’ voice through research and advocacy.
