United States Policy on Pre- and Post-Strike Measures To Address Civilian Casualties in U.S. Operations Involving the Use of Force
Requires Federal Agencies to Reduce and Report Civilian Casualties
What it does
Agencies must adopt measures to minimize civilian casualties and annually report strikes outside areas of active hostilities.
Real-world impact
- Requires annual public reports on strikes outside areas of active hostilities.
- Adds training, assessments, and new surveillance and weapons requirements for personnel.
- Encourages offering condolences and ex gratia payments to civilians harmed.
Topics
Summary
This order requires federal departments and agencies involved in the use of force to take specific steps to protect civilians during armed conflict and self-defense operations. It lists measures such as training, better surveillance and weapons for more discriminate targeting, taking precautions like warnings, and assessing and investigating incidents.
It also requires annual public reporting on strikes outside areas of active hostilities, encourages offering condolences and payments to harmed civilians, and calls for interagency consultations to improve practices to reduce civilian harm and increase transparency.
Questions, answered
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications. Try:
- “What agencies are affected by this order?”
- “How does this order change existing policy?”
- “What are the practical implications of this order?”