Member Spotlight: Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is a leading humanitarian protection organisation dedicated to safeguarding civilians caught in conflict around the world. Founded in 2003 by activist Marla Ruzicka, CIVIC works at the intersection of affected communities and the actors who influence their safety, including civil society organisations, armed groups, governments, and multilateral bodies.
As conflict becomes increasingly complex, with new technologies, the spread of disinformation, the impacts of climate change, and growing restrictions on basic freedoms, civilians face rising risks. CIVIC’s mission is to reduce harm and enhance protection for those most at risk. The organisation achieves this by working closely with those in positions of power to deliver training, foster dialogue, and advocate for practical policy changes that improve civilian safety.
CIVIC’s work spans from the homes of civilians living in active conflict zones to global halls of power where decisions affecting their lives are made. They document the harm suffered by communities, examine root causes, and provide guidance to parties in conflict on practical measures to prevent and respond to civilian harm, including the proper application of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The organisation also advises on policies and programs that address protection challenges raised directly by communities themselves.
Engaging with military and armed actors is a key part of CIVIC’s approach. By helping these actors track and investigate instances of civilian harm, respond appropriately, and provide reparations where necessary, CIVIC ensures accountability while promoting a culture of protection. Simultaneously, the organisation empowers local communities to strengthen their own protection strategies and advocate directly for improved safety from national security forces and armed non-state groups.
CIVIC operates in countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Chad, Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia, Ukraine, and Yemen, with plans to expand in 2025 to Sudan, Benin, and Togo. At its advocacy bases in Washington D.C., Brussels, New York, The Hague, and Geneva, CIVIC amplifies the voices of civilians through multilateral forums, ensuring their concerns reach international decision-makers.
What sets CIVIC apart is its comprehensive, community-centred approach. By combining on-the-ground work with research, policy advocacy, and targeted support, the organisation addresses the full spectrum of civilian harms in conflict. While grounded in international humanitarian law and human rights principles, CIVIC goes beyond legal frameworks to tackle real-world challenges, bridging humanitarian protection, human security, peacebuilding, and security governance.
Through its innovative and practical work, CIVIC not only reduces immediate risks to civilians but also contributes to building lasting peace and accountability in some of the world’s most fragile and conflict-affected regions.