The Human Cost of Conflict: giving visibility and paving the way for accountability

At a time when the international system, international human rights law and international humanitarian law (IHL) are under severe pressure and conflicts are on the rise, it is more important than ever to draw the attention to the victims of war and document violations, paving the way for accountability and post-conflict recovery. 

This panel brings together leaders from civil society, governments and international organizations to examine the human cost of war—from civilian casualties to forced displacement. It will highlight the essential need to give victims voice and visibility. It will underline how organizations with different mandates play complementary roles from providing humanitarian assistance and protection to civilians, in line with humanitarian principles, to amplifying victims’ voices and contributing to the foundations for transitional justice. 

Drawing on lessons from the armed conflicts in Ukraine, as well as Syria, the discussion will illustrate the crucial role played by civil society and the responsibility of the international community in documenting violations against civilians and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.