On September 24, 2024, senior representatives from Austria, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States convened virtually for a meeting of the International Contact Group on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response. The session focused on strategies to mitigate civilian harm during military operations and enhance response mechanisms when harm occurs.
According to Department of Defense Spokesperson Lisa Lawrence, the participants highlighted that efforts to reduce civilian harm not only reflect shared values but also contribute to mission success and public trust in the armed forces. The group emphasized the importance of promoting best practices across their respective military operations to uphold international norms and ensure accountability.
Representatives expressed a united commitment to further integrate civilian harm mitigation strategies into their armed forces, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding civilian lives in conflict zones.–News Desk