United States Policy on Pre- and Post-Strike Measures To Address Civi
Jul 7, 2016
Jul 7, 2016
Summary
Creates rules for the U.S. government to protect non-soldiers and report on any harm caused to them during military actions.
What problem does this solve?
Military actions can accidentally harm or kill people who are not soldiers. This order sets up rules to prevent this and requires the government to be open about it when it happens.
What does this order do?
Reference
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Report on strikes undertaken by the u.s. government against terrorist targets
Requires annual public reporting on casualties
Directs the Director of National Intelligence to publicly release an annual summary of combatant and non-combatant deaths from U.S. strikes outside of active war zones.
Mandates training on civilian protection
Requires government agencies to train their staff on how to follow laws and best practices that reduce the chance of harming civilians during military operations.
Investigates civilian harm incidents
Requires agencies to review or investigate incidents where civilians were harmed, using all available information, including from non-governmental organizations.
Acknowledges responsibility for casualties
Directs agencies to admit U.S. government responsibility for civilian casualties and offer condolences, which can include payments to injured civilians or their families.
Improves technology to protect civilians
Pushes for the development and use of better intelligence, surveillance, and weapons systems that allow for more precise use of force to avoid harming civilians.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. military and intelligence personnel
- Civilians in areas of U.S. military operations
- Partner governments
What is the real world impact?
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Maintains international support
Shows partner governments and allies that the U.S. is committed to protecting civilians. This helps maintain support for U.S. military operations abroad, especially in counterterrorism.
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Increases transparency and accountability
Requires the government to publicly report the number of non-combatant deaths from certain military strikes. This makes operations more transparent and holds agencies accountable for their actions.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on July 1, 2016, and sets several deadlines for future reports.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Report on strikes undertaken by the u.s. government against terrorist targets
First public report on casualties
The first public summary of combatant and non-combatant deaths from strikes in 2016 must be released no later than May 1, 2017.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Report on strikes undertaken by the u.s. government against terrorist targets
Ongoing annual reports
A public report on casualties from the previous calendar year must be released by May 1 of each following year.