WASHINGTON (July 1, 2016)—Federico Borello, Executive Director of Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), said:

“The numbers reported by the White House today simply don’t add up, and we’re disappointed by that. The research of other organizations such as New America and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism has shown that civilians are harmed at a much higher rate than what the US government says. We’re concerned that as more countries gain access to armed drone technology, it’s more likely that drones will be used as a first response in conflicts and more likely civilians will pay the price.”

Background:

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Notes to editors:

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)’s mission is to improve protection for civilians caught in conflicts around the world. We call on and advise international organizations, governments, militaries, and armed non-state actors to adopt and implement policies to prevent civilian harm. When civilians are harmed we advocate for the provision of amends and post-harm assistance. We bring the voices of civilians themselves to those making decisions affecting their lives.

For more information, contact Christopher Allbritton at +1 (917) 310-4785 or chris@civiliansinconflict.org.

Image courtesy of U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Larry E. Reid Jr.