As a global superpower, US foreign policy plays an outsized role in both contributing to and mitigating civilian harm around the world. Far too often, US airstrikes have resulted in devastating civilian harm, while US-made weapons have fueled conflict, civilian harm, and human rights violations. At the same time, this same global influence gives the United States the opportunity to champion civilian protection through its domestic and foreign policy. As global conflicts multiply and intensify, there is an urgent need for the US government to reinforce its commitment to humanitarian norms, strengthen its compliance with civilian protection principles, and pursue accountability and redress for past harms.

To this end, CIVIC’s US Program is carrying forward the mission of our founder, Marla Ruzicka, who urged the US government to recognize the dignity and rights of civilians worldwide. Our approach is based on a combination of technical expertise, coalition building, public pressure, and discreet—but effective— engagement with government officials, military leaders, and the US Congress. This multifaceted approach has enabled us to strengthen civilian protection within US policy and practice in a polarized political landscape.

Our US Program has three primary objectives: 

Promote US policies and practices that protect civilians from harm.

Advance policy and legal requirements for US arms sales and security cooperation to prevent civilian harm and promote accountability.

Advocate for amends, transparency, and accountability on behalf of civilians harmed by the US military.

CIVIC’s US Program has an impressive record of success promoting policies that strengthen civilian protection. With our partners, we were instrumental in advocating for the development and implementation of the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, which strengthens civilian protection in US military operations.

CIVIC also leads or co-leads several coalitions of US foreign policy, humanitarian, and human rights organizations, including the Arms Sales Accountability Project, the Protection of Civilians Working Group, and the Human Rights and Security Coalition, which provide crucial thought leadership and guidance to policymakers on civilian protection.

Finally, CIVIC’s new Marla Ruzicka Project for Amends and Redress advances support and recognition for civilians harmed in US operations. The Marla Project pursues amends for specific civilian families while establishing strategic precedents for future victims.