The Civilian Protection Podcast

This episode records a conversation between Rolien and Udo, the Executive Directors of PAX and CIVIC respectively. With Annie, they discuss the landscape and main challenges of civilian protection (work) today, the worrying trends they see, as well as what keeps them going. This is the last episode in the Civilian Protection series.Guests: Udo Jude Ilo, Interim Executive Director at CIVIC, and Rolien Sasse, Executive Director at PAXThis podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. You can find a full transcript of this episode here.This episode includes clips from previous Civilian Protection Podcast episodes, specifically episodes 1 and 6 (season 1), 7 (season 2), and 13, 14 and 15 (season 3).To learn more about the work of CIVIC or PAX, see: CIVIC websitePAX websitePAX Protection of Civilians website

On October 7, Hamas attacks in Israel killed an estimated 1,200 people and took over 200 people hostage. The Israeli response, including intense bombardments and a ground offensive in Gaza, has been extremely destructive, reportedly killing over 13,000 Palestinians including 5,500 children as of the time of this episode's recording. In this episode, Emily Tripp, Director of the casualty counting organization Airwars, joins us to make sense of these numbers and explain the process and importance of casualty recording. Guest: Emily Tripp, Director of AirwarsThis podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. You can find a full transcript of this episode here.This episode includes clips from FOX 26 Houston, France 24, ABC News, US Defense Department, NPR, and Al Arabiya English.To learn more about civilian harm in Gaza, see:Airwars, Israel and Gaza 2023CIVIC, Civilians in Gaza Running out of Self-Protection OptionsPAX: Dutch Government, Don't Give Israel Carte BlancheJust Security, Law and Policy Guide to US Arms Transfers to IsraelEvery Casualty Counts, Casualty Recorders Network

On September 19, in a 24-hour lightning military operation, Azerbaijan seized Nagorno-Karabakh, the disputed region that has been an epicenter of conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In the days and weeks that followed, tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians – nearly the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh – have fled. In this episode, Alissa de Carbonnel, Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia at the International Crisis Group, joins us to discuss the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh and the humanitarian crisis that has resulted. Guest: Alissa de Carbonnel, Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia, International Crisis GroupThis podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. You can find a full transcript of this episode here.To learn more about the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, see:International Crisis Group: Responding to the Humanitarian Catastrophe in Nagorno-Karabakh

In Season 3 of the Civilian Protection Podcast, we're exploring civilian protection issues in the news – as well as what the headlines might be missing. This episode brings us to the conflict in Sudan, which, since April 2023, has continued to exact a horrifying toll on civilians. Kholood Khair, Founder and Director of the Sudanese think-and-do tank Confluence Advisory, discusses what is happening in Sudan and why, the resulting attacks on civilians and civic space, and what communities are doing about it. Guest: Kholood Khair, Founder and Director, Confluence AdvisoryThis podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. You can find a full transcript of this episode here.To learn more about the conflict in Sudan and its impact on civilians, see:Bonus Clips: Hear from an Emergency Committee CoordinatorAl Jazeera: Sudan ‘Resistance' Activists Mobilise as Crisis EscalatesAmnesty International: “Death Came to Our Home": War Crimes and Civilian Suffering in SudanHuman Rights Watch: New Attacks in Darfur Joint US-UK Civil Society Letter on Sudan 

Civilians are not simply victims of armed conflict, but people with agency and expertise about the conflicts they are living in. In this episode, guest host Bulus Mungopark of CIVIC brings us to northeast Nigeria, where we explore successful community-led efforts to advocate for their own protection needs amid ongoing violence. Guests:Bulus Mungopark, Nigeria Community Engagement Manager, CIVICQueen, Community Protection Committee MemberHabib, Community Protection Committee MemberAlhaji Abba, District HeadThis podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. This episode was written by Annie Shiel and Bulus Mungopark with assistance from Erin Bijl, Marc Garlasco, and Hajer Naili.You can find a full transcript of this episode here.To learn more about community-based protection and civilian harm in Nigeria, see:CIVIC, “Barriers and Bridges to Protection: Civil-Military Engagement in Northeast Nigeria,” October 2020. CIVIC, “Civilian Protection Snapshot: Gwoza, Nigeria,” December 2021. CIVIC, “Civilian Protection Snapshot: Monguno, Nigeria,” March 2022. 

In this episode, Annie and Marc take us to South Sudan where they interview people about civilian perceptions of local police performance, the challenges people face in seeking effective police assistance, and what may happen when people start looking for alternative sources of protection. Guests:John Malith Mabor, Senior Project Officer, PAXA former community surveyor (anonymous)This podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. This episode was written by Erin Bijl with assistance from Anton Quist, Hans Rouw, Lauren Spink, Annie Shiel, and Marc Garlasco.You can find a full transcript of this episode here.To learn more about the protection of civilians and police performance in South Sudan, see:PAX website ‘Human Security Survey: South Sudan'.PAX event video ‘Bridging the law enforcement gap in South Sudan', 2021.This episode included a clip from Al Jazeera.

In S2E2 (or episode #8), we explored the impact of conflict on the natural environment, and in turn, on civilian lives, in Ukraine. In this episode, we bring you to Iraq and Yemen to explore the reverse: how climate change can serve as a driver of conflict, and in turn, affect civilians. Guests:Dina El-Mamoun, Yemen Country Director, CIVICAli Al-Assaf, Iraq Country Director, CIVICThis podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. This episode was written by Annie Shiel with assistance from Erin Bijl, Marc Garlasco, Tate Musinahama, and Hajer Naili. You can find a full transcript of this episode here.To learn more about effect of climate change on conflict and civilian life in Iraq, Yemen, and beyond, see:CIVIC report “‘If I Leave.. I Cannot Breathe': Climate Change and Civilian Protection in Iraq”CIVIC report “Risking the Future: Climate Change, Environmental Destruction, and Conflict in Yemen” 

The bombing of towns and cities, or the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, leads to vast civilian harm, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and long-term humanitarian consequences. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the signing of a landmark political declaration on explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA), signed by over 80 nations in Dublin last month.Guests:Hajer Naili, Director of Communications, CIVIC Sahr Muhammedally, Director for MENA & South Asia, CIVICRoos Boer, Project Lead Humanitarian Disarmament, PAX This podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. This episode was written by Annie Shiel and Hajer Naili, with assistance from Marc Garlasco, Tate Musinahama and Selma van Oostwaard.To learn more about explosive weapons in populated areas and the EWIPA Declaration, see:The website of the International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW)Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, PAXCIVIC's EWIPA ExplainerPAX report on the Impact on healthcare from bombing and shelling in Ukraine CIVIC's Implementation Brief: Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated AreasMwatana & PAX report Continuing civilian harm from the use of explosive weapons in YemenThis episode includes live recordings of the November 2022 Dublin Conference to Adopt the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.You can find a full transcript of this episode here.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the human toll of the war has been devastating. But obscured by news about fatalities, injuries and material damages is the longer-term impact of this conflict. In this episode, we'll explore the environmental degradation caused by military operations in Ukraine and its consequences for civilians, and discuss why protecting the environment is an essential part of protecting civilians.  Guests:Yevheniia Zasiadko (Head of Climate Department, Ecoaction)Iryna Nikolaieva (Environment Expert and Researcher, PAX)Erin Bijl (Senior Project Officer ‘Protection of Civilians', PAX)This podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. This episode was written by Erin Bijl with assistance from Annie Shiel, Marc Garlasco, Tate Musinahama, Selma van Oostwaard and Brittany Roser.This episode included a clip from BBC News. We further referred to data by OHCHR, an article on Earth.org and we quoted from the UN website for 6 November. To learn more about the impact of military operations on the environment and subsequent civilian harm, see:Interactive Map of the potential environmental impacts caused by Russian aggression in Ukraine, Ecoaction websiteConflict & Environment, PAX websitePAX Briefing Note to the United Nations Security Council on harm to the environment from military operations in UkraineFull interviews with Yevheniia Zasiadko (Ecoaction) and with Iryna Nikolaieva will soon be posted on the CIVIC and PAX website. 

On April 22, 2018, planes belonging to the Saudi- and Emirati-led Coalition dropped a bomb on a wedding celebration in Al-Raqa village, in Yemen. The attack killed 21 civilians, including eleven children, and injured 97 people. And it did so using a bomb that was made and sold in the United States. In this episode, we explore the US arms trade system and policies that made this, and so many incidents like it, possible. Guests: Ali Jameel (Accountability and Redress Director, Mwatana for Human Rights)Tony Wilson (Founder & Director, Security Force Monitor at Columbia Law School Human Rights Institute)Joyce Sohyun Lee (Visual Forensics Video Reporter, The Washington Post)This podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. This episode was written by Annie Shiel with assistance from Marc Garlasco, Tate Musinahama, Ari Tolany, John Ramming Chappell, Selma van Oostwaard, Erin Bijl, and Frank Slijper.This episode included a clip from Al Jazeera. To learn more about arms sales and civilian harm, see: Day of Judgment, a report from Mwatana for Human Rights, PAX, and University Network for Human Rights on the role of the US and Europe in civilian death, destruction, and trauma in Yemen.A Washington Post piece outlining the findings of their joint investigation with Security Force Monitor into US support for the Saudi- and Emirati-led Coalition in Yemen; the Security Force Monitor methodology; and additional analysis from the Monitor.With Great Power, a report by CIVIC and the Stimson Center on civilian harm risks in US arms transfers. Bonus materials:Full interview with Ali Jameel (Mwatana for Human Rights) and with Joyce Soyhun Lee (The Washington Post) and Tony Wilson (Security Force Monitor) will soon be posted on the CIVIC and PAX website. 

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Since that day, thousands of civilians have been killed or injured and over ten million people have been internally displaced or fled Ukraine as refugees. In this episode, our CIVIC colleagues in Ukraine share their experiences living through the war, the dangers facing civilians, and what must be done to protect them.Thank you for tuning in to Season 1 of the Civilian Protection Podcast. Please help us by filling out a quick listener survey so we can learn more about our audience and what you want to hear from us as we work on Season 2: https://forms.gle/LyrrM8UNR5s9kRK99.Guests and co-hosts: Beatrice Godefroy (Europe Program Director, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC))Oksana and Liza (members of the CIVIC Ukraine team)Annie Shiel (US Policy & Advocacy Senior Advisor, CIVIC)Marc Garlasco (Military Advisor Protection of Civilians, PAX)This episode included audio clips from The Independent and MSNBC.This podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. This episode was written by Annie Shiel, Beatrice Godefroy, and CIVIC's Ukraine Team, with assistance from Marc Garlasco, Monica Zuraw, Ari Tolany, and Selma van Oostwaard. 

In June 2015, Dutch F-16s carried out an airstrike on an ISIS ammunition factory in the Iraqi town of Hawija, causing considerable harm beyond what was anticipated. In this episode, Mohammed Abdulkareem Khthar, Head of Programs at Iraqi NGO Al-Ghad, and Dutch journalist Judit Neurink explain the impact of the airstrike on the people in Hawija, both in the immediate aftermath of the strike and in the years that followed, and why they think it's time for acknowledgement from the Dutch government.Guests:Mohammed Abdulkareem Khthar (Head of Programs, Al-Ghad) Dutch journalist Judit Neurink Co-hosts: Saba Azeem (Project Lead Human Security Survey Iraq, PAX)Marc Garlasco (Military Advisor Protection of Civilians, PAX)Annie Shiel (US Policy & Advocacy Senior Advisor, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC))This podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. This episode was written by Marc Garlasco, Erin Bijl, and Saba Azeem, with assistance from Annie Shiel, Monica Zuraw, Ari Tolany, and Selma van Oostwaard.

In August 2021, U.S. and international forces completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of war. In this episode, we sit down with Shaharzad Akbar, Chairperson for the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, to explore the legacy of civilian harm left behind and what it means for Afghan civilians moving forward.Guest: Shaharzad Akbar, Chairperson for the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights CommissionThis episode included clips from Al Jazeera, BBC, CBS, CNBC, Today and Pentagon via ABC News. This podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. This episode was written by Marc Garlasco and Annie Shiel with assistance from Monica Zuraw, Ari Tolany, Erin Bell, andSelma van Oostwaard.

A people-centered approach to UN Peacekeeping makes sense as a concept-- listen and learn from the communities you are mandated to protect -- but how is it actually implemented in practice? Speaking with experts from the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and United Nations Headquarters, this episode explores the need for applying a people-centered approach in peacekeeping contexts and the complexities of effectively implementing this approach.Guests: Kessy Ekomo-Soignet (Founder and Executive Director of youth-led NGO URU and General Director at Peace Development Watch)Marco Donati (Civil Affairs Team Leader, UN Department of Peace Operations)Geoffrey L. Duke (Director, South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (SSANSA)) This podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX.  This episode was written by Marc Garlasco, Annie Shiel, Selma van Oostwaard, Hans Row, Monica Zuraw, and Ari Tolany.

In Somalia, a family sits down to eat. Before dinner is over, their lives have been irreversibly changed. A U.S. airstrike had hit their home. Unfortunately, this is not an unfamiliar scene for civilians living in conflict-affected areas. Speaking with experts from Somalia and Yemen, this episode explores what happens after harm, and the challenges civilians face trying to get answers, recognition, and amends.Guests: Bonyan Gamal (Accountability and Redress Officer, Mwatana for Human Rights) Abdullahi Hassan (Researcher, Amnesty International)This podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. This episode was written by Marc Garlasco and Annie Shiel with assistance from Monica Zuraw, Dan Mahanty, Erin Bell, Selma van Oostwaard, and Clark Orr.

In 2014, ISIS, also known as Daesh, seized the city of Mosul, Iraq, and a battle involving ISIS, American-led coalition forces, and national Iraqi forces ensued. It was then that Iraqi historian Omar Mohammed began to document cases of civilian harm on his anonymous blog, Mosul Eye, risking his life to ensure history would remember their names.Guest: Omar Mohammed (Mosul Eye)This podcast is brought to you by CIVIC and PAX. This episode was written by Marc Garlasco and Annie Shiel with assistance from Monica Zuraw, Dan Mahanty, Erin Bell, and Selma van Oostwaard. You can access the full interview with Omar Mohammed (Mosul Eye) under bonus materials on www.protectionsofcivilians.org and www.civiliansinconflict.org.This episode included clips from Al Jazeera, BBC. 

Hosts Annie Shiel, Senior Advisor for US Policy and Advocacy at CIVIC, and Marc Garlasco, Military Advisor at PAX, introduce the Civilian Protection Podcast. This podcast, brought to you by CIVIC and PAX, shares the voices of people affected by war, the dangers they face, the choices they make, and what can be done to better protect them — because we believe it's time to put them at the center of the discussion.