Recap – Examining Civilian Protection in Contemporary Conflicts

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Published on May 22, 2026

The panel discussion on ‘The Global Future of Civilian Protection: Learning from the Gaza Genocide’, was moderated by Sarah Khan. It brought together scholars and practitioners to examine how the “Gaza Playbook” has reshaped norms around the protection of civilians and what this means in the current context of the conflict in Iran and Lebanon, and other current and future conflicts. 

The first set of speakers outlined the developments undermining global structures traditionally responding to protect civilians and the diminishing responsibility of duty bearers vis-à-vis right holders. Professor Heidi Matthews in her presentation defined the various elements of the “Gaza Playbook”, while noting how it represents a shift toward the normalization of large-scale civilian harm and the threat this poses to International Humanitarian Law and Crime of Genocide. Jane Kinninmont in her presentation analysedUnited Nations system’s strengths and limitations in protecting civilians in light of the Gaza conflict, including the not always constructive role being played by its member states. Amra Lee in her presentation examined how the global humanitarian system was being dismantled and a new “re-making of the world order” was occurring through this conflict, as part of the “Gaza playbook”. 

The second set of speakers focused on the silver linings from this conflict for civilian protection, driven by people and not institutions or governments. Dalia El Farra in her presentation high-lighted the robust engagement of global civil society in spot-lighting civilian harm in this conflict, through protests, advocacy campaigns, and pressure on institutions, etc. Dr. Yipeng Ge in his presentation spoke about the work of health care workers and others in the Palestinian community inside Gaza, in documenting and advocating on the harm to civilians with a “People-Centred Accountability Approach”.

Resulting from discussions during the panel, a policy brief summarizing conclusions and recommendations for policy makers and the general public has been drafted and can be viewed and downloaded here:

Watch the full panel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-rThPGbqrQ

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