CIVIC works in three arenas: advocating in the halls of power, in war zones with armed actors, and in communities with impacted civilians. To advocate, CIVIC learns about the needs of civilians caught in conflict around the world and voices their concerns with the policymakers who have the power to make improved protection a reality.
In 2017, for example, in response to escalating violence against civilians in the Central African Republic, CIVIC mobilized a vast coalition to advocate for an increase in UN peacekeeping troops to stem the violence.
The UN Security Council ultimately approved 900 additional peacekeepers for the in-country mission and the UN launched a special investigation to strengthen the mission’s ability to protect civilians.
In the US, following years of sustained advocacy by CIVIC and our nonprofit partners, a 2016 Executive Order made civilian protection policies applicable to all US agencies in operations anywhere in the world. This change substantially increased protection for the 43.9 million people living in countries not considered “areas of active hostility” but in which the US government uses force.
In September 2017, following two years of advocacy by CIVIC, President Ghani of Afghanistan signed into law the Afghan Civilian Casualty Mitigation and Prevention policy. This is a landmark for the country and for our field, as Afghanistan is the first country in conflict to adopt such a comprehensive policy.
