Civilian Protection

Civilian Protection: A Unique Focus

Since inception, Genocide Intervention Network has been committed to protecting civilians at risk of genocidal violence. We do this indirectly through advocacy efforts that attempt to resolve the conflict at the level of governments and the international community, and directly through supporting activities on the ground that aim to protect civilians in harm’s way. This approach is supported by the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, which aims to bridge the gap between the principle of state sovereignty and the need for humanitarian intervention to protect people at risk.

Our civilian protection program is unique in its focus on seeking opportunities to protect civilians from physical violence as directly as possible. We have done this through a variety of means, ranging from efforts to improve African Union and United Nations ability to conduct protective firewood patrols, to expediting the development of training standards for UN police to supporting the development of local early warning capabiliities.

We do not run our own programs in the field, but seek and collaborate with partners  to research potential opportunities and support projects with strong prospects. This includes working with NGO's, the United Nations, the African Union, and individual researchers and experts.

Burma Civilian Radio Network

In areas of eastern Burma populated by ethnic minorities, the Burmese government has a “free fire” policy that allows troops to attack civilians at any time. Civilians are under constant threat of shootings, landmines, rape and the burning down of villages and food stores. Working with a local implementing partner, Genocide Intervention’s Civilian Radio Network links villages to a regional network that helps send and receive messages about impending attack by the Burmese military, and enables civilians to send distress calls.

Firewood Project: Protecting Darfuri Women from Rape and Attack

Genocide Intervention Network has implemented previous protection projects including creating Income Generating Opportunities for the most vulnerable famililies in Darfur, which allowed them to earn the money needed to purchase firewood. As a result of this program, over 1000 women were protected from rape. Learn More.