IRC and CIVIC to Conduct Panel Dicussion at the Munich Security Conference on February 18th
THE HAGUE, February 16, 2023 — Federico Borello, CIVIC Executive Director, says:
“Accountability is a crucial element of any plan designed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those most affected by conflict: civilians. Time and time again, we see warring parties failing to acknowledge the harm they cause to civilians – from casualties to displacement to the destruction of key infrastructure. That’s why we’re encouraged by the adoption of the US Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan to both prevent and respond to civilian harm. We encourage US partners to galvanize similar efforts globally and successfully implement them by including conflict-affected civilians as equal partners in this work.”
BERLIN, February 16, 2023 — David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, comments:
“The invasion of Ukraine and the conduct of the war encapsulates the Age of Impunity, especially with regards to the flouting of international law without accountability. International law could not be more explicit on the duties of parties to conflict to protect civilians. The US Civilian Harm Action Plan is a step forward in establishing accountable policies to prevent and respond to civilian harm – the first of many to ensure that armed actors are held accountable to those they harm. MSC presents a significant and urgent opportunity to shed light on the need for political action to end global impunity.”
IRC and CIVIC at MSC
IRC and CIVIC will hold a roundtable discussion building on expertise in responding to humanitarian crises and advocating for civilian protection. Both organizations focus on the importance of upholding international humanitarian law in conflicts as critical to reestablishing a rules-based international order. This event will delve into lessons learned by transatlantic partner organizations from the US Civilian Harm Action Plan to ensure full accountability for security policies. The panelists will identify concrete commitments to ensure better accountability and adherence to international law and limit impunity among partner organizations.
About IRC
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic well being, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC works in more than 40 countries and in 28 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. Learn more at www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on Twitter & Facebook.
About CIVIC
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the protection of civilians in conflict. CIVIC envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors to prevent and respond to civilian harm. Learn more at www.civiliansinconflict.org and follow CIVIC on Twitter and LinkedIn.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
- In The Hague: Hajer Naili, [email protected], +33 06 03 50 53 93 / +1 917 889 5982 (WhatsApp)
- CIVIC’s Global Media Team: [email protected]
