CIVIC: Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict

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Latest news: Pakistan 

Field Blog: CIVIC from the Field: Pakistan

Most Recent Report:  Civilians in Armed Conflict: Civilian Harm in Northwest Pakistan, October 13, 2010

The Conflict

Following the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, many Taliban and al-Qaeda militants fled across the border into Pakistan. Fighting between Pakistani government forces and militants has resulted in widespread violence in the regions of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP)—officially renamed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)—and Balochistan. There are no official numbers and no precise figures on civilian casualties due to limited access to conflict-affected areas, yet all indications show that a significant number of civilians have been killed or injured during the fighting.

When the Taliban in NWFP violated a February 2009 ceasefire agreement with the government, the Pakistani military launched an offensive to regain control of the region. Military operations in April and May of 2009 displaced more than 3 million people. Subsequent offenses have been launched against Taliban-aligned militants in FATA, including the agencies of South Waziristan, Bajaur, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Orakzai, displacing hundreds of thousands.  Ongoing violence in FATA and KPK continues to cause new displacements and civilian harm.

The United States has targeted militants within Pakistan's borders using drones. Reports on the number of civilians and militants killed by drones vary substantially. Since 2004, the total number of deaths in Pakistan from U.S. drone strikes is estimated between 885 and 1,314. Of these, about one third are believed to be civilians. Serious concerns have been raised about the legality of drone strikes in Pakistan. The Obama Administration is defending their legality, stating that the U.S. is engaged in an armed conflict with Taliban and al Qaeda and is permitted under international law to target individual affiliated with these organizations. Civilians harmed in drone strikes do not receive any assistance or compensation from either the Pakistani or U.S. governments.

CIVIC's Work

In October 2009, CIVIC began research from Islamabad to document civilian harm and assistance for Pakistani civilian war victims. CIVIC is monitoring what type of help civilians want and need, what support currently exists, and what needs to be improved. Following the completion of this research CIVIC published a report in October 2010, on its findings with recommendations to the Pakistani Government, the US Government, the UN, stakeholders, and donor nations.

CIVIC is advocating for direct assistance to war victims in Pakistan and calls on the US and Pakistani governments to address civilian harm by recognizing losses and helping victims recover. CIVIC pressed the US Congress to create a fund in Pakistan to aid war victims, which was allocated $10 million in FY10. CIVIC continues to monitor the situation, track compensation, and highlight the plight of civilians affected by the conflict. 

Civilian Casualties

For 2009: - 2,123 civilians killed in terrorist attacks  the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies
- Unknown number killed as a result military operations and fighting between Pakistani military and militants

Displacement

CIVIC on Pakistan

Press Release: On Civilian Casualties from Drones in Pakistan, February 2, 2012

Report: Civilians in Armed Conflict: Civilian Harm in Northwest Pakistan, October 13, 2010

Events:  CIVIC at Woodrow Wilson Center, New America Foundation, Open Society Institute, Chatham House, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

Recent Articles: Associated Press-Pakistani drone victim seeks to put US on trial, December 23, 2010

Recent Articles: Dawn-Governments ignoring civilian victims of war, December 11, 2010

Press Release: Civilian Drone Victims Deserve to be Counted and Compensated, March 24, 2011

Press Release: Promised Victims Support Program Applauded, January 30, 2011

Press Release: US Switch to Smaller Drone Missiles Applauded, April 23, 2010

Huffington Post: Pakistani Politicians Agree: Make Amends to Victims of Conflict, February 4, 2011

Huffington Post: Drone Victims in Pakistan Seek Justice , December 3, 2010

Huffington Post: Drone Victims Speak, October 13, 2010

For policy and program inquiries:
Marla Keenan
+1 202 558 0342
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For press inquiries:
Liz Lucas
+1 202 558 6958
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