Protecting the Environment Is Protecting Civilians, Key Take-aways

Jun 2, 2025 | PAX
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In conflict zones across the globe, civilians continue to suffer the devastating environmental consequences of armed conflicts, which directly and indirectly affect their health, safety, and livelihoods, as underscored in the report. It was therefore significant that, during both the PoC debate and the related Arria-formula meeting on the protection of freshwater resources and water infrastructure, numerous Member States acknowledged the growing environmental and climate threats to civilians. Yet, to translate these acknowledgments into action, Member States must commit to concrete policy measures that address the environment-conflict nexus as an important pillar of civilian protection.