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Civilian-centered responses to harm: Ukraine
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the complexity and intensity of military operations in Ukraine have resulted in protection challenges rarely seen at such magnitude. The resulting devastation of civilian lives and livelihoods pose important questions about the existing conceptualizations of civilian harm mitigation (CHM) and Protection of Civilians (PoC) when applied to large-scale combat operations (LSCO). This briefing focuses on how Ukraine - amid a context of largescale destruction and ongoing hostilities - has managed to set up systems to help its population address the various harms it is experiencing. These can be strengthened through a more civilian-centric approach that ensures they better meet people's needs, thereby enhancing Ukraine's overall resilience.
This publication explores several Ukrainian mechanisms for strengths and gaps from a civilian perspective, largely informed by interviews with Ukrainian and international civil society representatives. This analysis can be used to inform ongoing Ukrainian efforts in this area, including the support provided to Ukraine by its international allies, as well as initiatives by other states that are developing response frameworks or preparing for LSCO scenarios.
You can read and/or download the full briefing below.
Note that this publication is part of a larger series - spanning four briefings in total - that delves into CHM- and PoC-related aspects from Ukraine's defensive war against Russia.
About this report
Date of publication:
May 27, 2025
Author:
Erin Bijl
Publisher:
PAX
Period:
May 2025
Topic
Civilian Harm
