Afghan Inquiry publishes redacted evidence from closed hearings in 2024 involving former Special Forces members, after refusing the MoD’s request to delay release. Newly published docs reveal the Inquiry was told UKSF leadership suppressed evidence of possible war crimes.

Can civil justice, operational learning and civilian agency help close the IHL enforcement gap? Our new IRRC article explores the role of redress in upholding IHL principles and preventing civilian harm. Read it in full: doi.org/10.1017/S181...

The report highlights that the UK maintains a seemingly ineffective approach to civilian harm tracking; fails to investigate civilian harm consistently; and has introduced unprecedented legislation to severely restrict civilians’ access to response-and accountability mechanisms.

OUT NOW: Our new report finds UK defence is ill-prepared to protect civilians from harm from UK military operations. Full report: www.ceasefire.org/uk-defence-i...

If you’re in Belfast next week, this is sure to be a compelling and timely discussion with these brilliant experts. RSVP: bit.ly/4ntCRDS

With civilians in #Ukraine facing renewed attacks and peace talks still uncertain, how can the UK ensure its support is truly victim-centred? New blog post by Samantha Perren out now: www.ceasefire.org/how-can-the-...

As RSF attacks on Sudan's besieged city of El Fasher intensify, Yousif Mohamed argues that remote and civilian-led monitoring and documentation efforts should be supported and used to guide policy responses. New blog post out now:

On another unspeakably grim day for Palestinians in Gaza, I talked to @aljazeeraenglish.bsky.social about starvation as a war crime. mediaview.aljazeera.com/video/qDghRd...

We launched a blog! A space that puts civilian rights and perspectives at the forefront. If you’re interested in contributing, get in touch.

“I do not see why Parliament was not read in to the situation… so they could exercise that oversight and scrutiny” Mike Martin MP says the Afghan data leak + superinjunction expose a wider MoD culture of cover-up. Without democratic scrutiny, accountability suffers. Afghanistan is a case in point.

As the U.S. administration pushes for a third round of Ukraine-Russia peace talks, Michael Raff and @mglattimer.bsky.social argue that historical precedent and financial leverage offer hope that reparations for conflict-related harm may be attainable in a future deal.

Our partner, Volodymyr Shcherbachenko, speaking to Times Radio: "I do believe in justice... It's a huge amount of money, frozen russian assets, they are available, and this money can be used for #reparations for civilians." Full interview: www.youtube.com/watch?app=de... #Ukraine

“The UK must approach Ukraine reparations not as a distant post-conflict project, but as a current and urgent imperative.” @maethompson.bsky.social at packed @ceasefirecentre.bsky.social event in Parliament last night. Thx to @alexsobel.co.uk for his leadership on Ukraine #reparations

Episode 3 of our civilian harm and redress podcast is out on the Dutch experience in Hawija with Erin Bijl @officialpax.bsky.social @maethompson.bsky.social & Major Steven van de Putt lawpod.org/podcast/the-...

Transparency on official legal advice is essential to democratic control of war powers, as recommended in recent report from @ceasefirecentre.bsky.social Here: bit.ly/4lc4MHI www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) advocates pivoting the armed forces to ‘warfighting readiness'—but does it address the broader implications for global #peace and #security? Saferworld's Lewis Brooks and Charlie Linney analyse the risks 👇 #UKDefence

SAVE THE DATE – 7 July, 17.00, House of Commons Join us in marking the UK launch of our recent report with an expert panel to discuss how the UK can support reparations for civilian harm in Ukraine. Chaired by Alex Sobel MP and Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP RSVP: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-can-th...

Have you watched our latest #film Escaping Libya’s Detention Industry? The investigation traces how detention centres across #Libya have become a part of a cycle of extortion, abuse, release, and re-capture, fuelled by #EU support. Watch full video here: www.libyanjustice.org/news/film-es...

1/2 What does today's #StrategicDefenceReview mean for civilians? Increased military capability can bring increased risks. It’s vital that #CivilianRights, protection and accountability are at the heart of defence policy, ensuring that the UK upholds its responsibilities under international law.

Episode 2 'Civilian Harm in Yemen' of our podcast 'Civilian harm in conflict' is now out with @maethompson.bsky.social Bonyan Gamal & @kristinebeckerle.bsky.social lawpod.org/podcast/civi...

Amid a surge in grave violations against children in conflict, we call on #UNSG António Guterres to publish a complete list of perpetrators in his 2025 Children and Armed Conflict report. #CAAC #CivilianRights www.ceasefire.org/ceasefire-jo...

The Haddon-Cave Public Inquiry has begun its analytical examination and review of the material on the previously wiped UKSF IT server – a crucial step towards long overdue answers. www.iia.independent-inquiry.uk/news/

Ahead of the Security Council Open Debate on Protection of Civilians, we’ve joined 20 other NGOs in calling for urgent action by the international community to protect civilians and uphold their rights. #CivilianRights #NotATarget #PoCWeek2025 bit.ly/4duRGCW

As civilian deaths rise and the Geneva Conventions come under attack, can we still make a difference? See Ceasefire's new Strategy here 🔽 www.ceasefire.org/strategy-202...

Great piece by my colleague @maethompson.bsky.social and the magisterial Elizabeth Stubbins Bates

Military investigations are an essential but often misunderstood tool. Dr Elizabeth Stubbins Bates and @maethompson.bsky.social explore their importance for compliance, protection, and accountability.

Harnessing Military Investigations as a Tool for Civilian Protection in an ‘Era of Rearmament’ | by Elizabeth Stubbins Bates and Mae Thompson

*Reminder: Event announcement* In collaboration with @paxforpeace.nl, we're thrilled to announce the launch of the Civilian Protection Monitor: Join us at our online launch on Tuesday 15th April at 4-5.30pm CET by registering through this form: lnkd.in/eiWKVRpZ.

Our new campaign for #Ukraine reparations highlights that reparations are a legal right – offering key resources, details on existing registers, and supporting civil society in advocating for effective #reparations for affected civilians. Find out more: bit.ly/3FPnGVy

Our new podcast series on Civilian Harm and Redress is now out with a first episode with @niaolainf.bsky.social @maethompson.bsky.social @mglattimer.bsky.social @ceasefirecentre.bsky.social lawpod.org/podcast/civi...

CoE finalises necessary technical legal documents for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

#HRC58 Side event on reparations for #Ukraine. Commissioner Pablo de Greiff: 'I beg the international community to make itself much more present in providing assistance and cooperation in those [non-judicial] dimensions of accountability, which for the victims are unpostponable.'

It’s been an honour to work on this report alongside my Ukrainian colleagues, that centres the voices of survivors and those most affected by Russia’s armed aggression. Compensation and reparations shouldn’t be an afterthought. Link below to read

Ceasefire, EUCCI, and @minorityrights.bsky.social deliver joint statement to UN Human Rights Council on reparations for victims of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. #HRC58 #CivilianRights FULL STATEMENT: bit.ly/4hk0onQ

If you'll be in Geneva next week for #HRC58, please join us for this important event where @ceasefirecentre.bsky.social will launch our latest report on reparations for Ukraine (co-authored by me!)👇

🚨 With aid cuts threatening civil society, the UK Atrocity Prevention Working Group has written to the Foreign Secretary, urging the govt to to safeguard civil society leadership in this time of crisis & strengthen our collective commitment to preventing atrocities.

Reports of 745 civilian casualties following revenge killings and eruption of fighting in Syria www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...

For all the European talk of international law in the context of Ukraine, a complete reversal from those same actors on Palestine www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...

At least 20 Ukrainian civilians have been killed just this night by Russian missiles and drones. Hundreds of soldiers were killed on the frontline in recent days. These are the first results of the US suspension of military aid and intelligence to Ukraine: more deaths time.com/7265679/sate...

More accurately: "Tories call to say migrants are not human beings". That's the only way you can argue they shouldn't be covered by human rights, unless you're also arguing to lose them yourself. If you prevent one group accessing human rights you lose them for everyone. www.bbc.com/news/article...

While Europe comes together in shock and consternation about blindly trusting Putin to keep to a deal in Ukraine They find time to help exculpate Netenyahu for breaking the Gaza ceasefire with a truly kafkaesque statement blaming Hamas for *checks notes* insisting on the agreed upon terms....

Last year Kier Starmer told the UN that unregulated military use of AI technology was a challenge "too urgent to ignore". Yet the UK has failed to back a new international treaty on such weapons. UNA-UK is urgently calling on the Government to step-up, the window for preventative action is closing.

1/7 🧵 Good afternoon from the Royal Courts of Justice, where the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan (IIA) today hears from expert witness Alan Pughsley, former Kent Police Chief Constable, on the Royal Military Police's (RMP) investigation, Operation Northmoor.

Leaders and #Sudan Champions: take a stand against hate! Please share and amplify! Defend someones' rights today. www.rightsforpeace.org/post/calling...

With a ceasefire agreed between Israel and Hamas, what next for Gaza, Netanyahu and the Middle East? Sanam Vakil, Yossi Mekelberg and Amjad Iraqi discuss.

What does a ceasefire in #Gaza mean for civilians? Immediate relief and a glimmer of hope amid ongoing suffering and uncertainty. www.ceasefire.org/what-does-a-...

Civilian casualties of explosive weapons at highest level in more than a decade Action on Armed Violence study says 61,353 non-combatants were killed or wounded in 2024, an increase of 67% on the previous year www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...

Historic court ruling that found Belgium guilty of crimes against humanity during its colonial rule of central Africa has been hailed as a turning point that could pave the way for compensation and other forms of justice www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...

New evidence revealed by the UK Afghanistan Inquiry raises 2 urgent questions about whether abuses continued for longer than previously thought and in multiple theatres. #IHL #CIVCAS Short 🧵 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

From heroes to controversy: the UK’s Special Forces in crisis My op-ed for Action on Armed Violence aoav.org.uk/2025/from-he...