Civil-military relations are essential for maintaining peace and stability in any society. However, there are challenges to these relations, especially in areas where there are existing conflicts or tensions. One way to address these challenges is through deliberate community engagement by military and security forces. Engaging with the local communities to discuss and understand the…
This week marks the eighteenth anniversary of the tragic passing of our founder, Marla Ruzicka. Remembering her bravery and compassion as well as honoring her legacy is even more special as Center for Civilians in Conflict turns 20 years old later this year. In 2003, Marla’s determination to address the needs of civilians living in…
By Udo Jude Ilo The world has continued to demonstrate an outpouring of solidarity for the people of Ukraine and its leaders since Russia launched its illegal full-scale invasion on the country in February 2022. This overwhelming support has demonstrated what the world can do when countries and communities rally behind a cause. While nearly…
By Josh Jorgensen The Security Council renewed the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on March 15, 2023. The new mandate emphasizes the Mission’s responsibility to physically protect civilians from violence, but does not substantively change its other priorities or responsibilities. With the mandate’s new Protection of Civilians (POC) language and…
By Federico Borello, CIVIC’s Executive Director Twenty years ago this month, on March 20, 2003, the United States launched its first airstrikes on Iraq. This marked the start of the US-led coalition’s invasion of Iraq and the long descent into the abyss for millions of Iraqis. This was also the start of our story. Center…
By Udo Jude Ilo The beauty of Niamey lies in the paradox of its peculiar landscape. On one side is the Niger River with its spectacular splendor, lush green boundaries, and crisscross of aquatic superhighways. And on the other side, the rugged terrain of dusty rocky fields – a stark reminder of the desert and…
By Hajer Naili If time heals all wounds, it probably won’t heal those of Aziz & Farida* who lost two of their children to the Islamic State’s (IS) violence and cruelty. “They took away and killed my beloved children,” says Aziz, the father, with a quivering voice and tear-filled eyes when we met him and…
By Daniel Levine-Spound and Josh Jorgensen In December 2022, the UN Security Council renewed the mandate of MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), for another year. The Council also adopted another resolution lifting the notification requirement for arms, which previously required that arms suppliers notify the Council…
By Vanja Kovac From November 25 to December 10, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is joining the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, an annual global effort to raise awareness and call for the elimination and prevention of gender-based violence (GBV). The theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based…