NATO has brought together military practitioners, international organisations, civil society groups and partner countries to strengthen international cooperation aimed at reducing civilian harm during military operations.
Representatives of NATO's International Military Staff participated in the International Contact Group on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response, held at NATO Headquarters in cooperation with the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Civilian harm mitigation is not simply an ethical aspiration or a legal obligation, said NATO Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security Irene Fellin, calling it an operational necessity that helps preserve legitimacy and strengthens effectiveness.
Participants examined reducing civilian harm during coalition operations, protecting critical infrastructure, incorporating civilian protection into military training, and risks associated with operations at sea, drawing on Ukraine's experience maintaining civilian infrastructure during wartime.