Making amends in Afghanistan and beyond‏

From CIVIC: The Making Amends Campaign

The recent murder of 16 civilians in Afghanistan is a stark reminder that civilians bear the brunt of war. By all accounts this incident was a targeted killing, making it a violation of international law, and the victims and their families have recognized legal rights for accountability and redress.

After ten years of war in Afghanistan, we also know that many civilians are also harmed in the lawful course of combat operations. They include victims of errant strikes, accidental shootings, or civilians who are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Because such harm is allowed under international law (you may know the more familiar phrase "collateral damage"), these victims often receive nothing, not even basic recognition of their losses.

The Making Amends Campaign has been advocating for just these civilians. We began this Campaign because we believe that all civilian victims should be recognized, dignified, and receive help, even if no legal remedy exists. Over the last year and a half, the Campaign has put civilian harm front and center with policymakers, pushing for a global standard of behavior where warring parties recognize and help those they harm. This is the right thing to do.

We invite you to learn more about the Campaign and support this call to warring parties to help the civilians they harm.