Operationalizing Civilian Protection in Mali: The Case for a Civilian Casualty Tracking, Analysis, and Response Cell

Authors

  • Marla B. Keenan Center for Civilians in Conflict

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5334/sta.ba

Keywords:

civilian harm, civilian casualty, tracking, armed conflict, peacekeeping, Mali, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, CCTARC, civilian harm mitigation, protection of civilians, analysis and response, MINUSMA, AFISMA, UNSC

Abstract

This practice note details an emerging best practice of civilian harm mitigation in armed conflict: namely, the creation of civilian casualty tracking, analysis and response processes by a warring party or peace operation force. It asserts that in Iraq, Afghanistan and soon Somalia, these processes to better understand civilian harm and address consequences have positively shaped mission tactics, training, and overall operations. In both Iraq and Afghanistan, tracking and analysis has lead to a marked decrease in civilian casualties and facilitated the making of amends for any civilian losses. The paper argues that for warring parties to achieve their mission—particularly one with a protection of civilians mandate as with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)—they must fully understand the impact of their actions on the civilian population, positive or negative. For this reason, a Civilian Casualty Tracking, Analysis, and Response Cell should be created for MINUSMA to improve its ability mitigate risk to civilians as required by its Security Council mandate.

Author Biography

Marla B. Keenan, Center for Civilians in Conflict

MARLA B. KEENAN | MANAGING & MILITARY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Marla is managing and military engagement director at Center for Civilians in Conflict (formerly CIVIC), where she oversees the organization’s work on US military compensation systems and civilian harm mitigation, including military training and doctrine on best practices.  She has also collaborated on civilian protection and response efforts with warring parties operating in Afghanistan, Libya, and Somalia. Marla helps shape the Center’s overall programs and oversees operational aspects of the organization. Since joining the organization in October 2005, she has coordinated programs in Mali, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Nepal, and Georgia. Prior to joining the Center, Marla was an Edward Rawson Fellow at Citizens for Global Solutions, working in US global engagement on issues as varied as the conflict in Darfur to Avian Influenza. A former management consultant, Marla has held senior communications and marketing positions with a range of private sector organizations. She holds a Masters of Science in Public Policy and Management with a dual concentration in policy analysis and international policy from the H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy & Management at Carnegie Mellon University and earned her Bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona.

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Published

2013-06-12

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Practice Notes

Categories

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Copyright (c) 2013 The Author(s)

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