The Ethics of War 1

Enhancing Protection: A 5-Step Framework

To build and manage an effective protection response for civilians, follow these cyclical steps:

1. Problem Analysis & Priority Setting
2. Defining General Objectives & Strategy
3. Setting Specific Objectives
4. Implementation
5. Monitoring & Evaluation

This process adapts to changing circumstances through continuous reassessment.

1. Problem Analysis & Priority Setting

Key Questions:

• Who is affected? (Victims/vulnerable groups)
• What violations/abuses occur?
• Where do they happen?
• Why do they happen? (Root causes, perpetrators’ motives)

Analysis Includes:

• Patterns of abuse (systematic vs. isolated incidents)
• Legal protections and vulnerabilities (e.g., women, children, displaced persons)
• Contextual factors (conflict dynamics, institutional weaknesses)

Feasibility Check:
Before acting, assess:

• Access to victims and safety for staff
• Dialogue opportunities with authorities
• Coordination with other actors to avoid duplication

Priority Criteria:

• Severity of violations
• Organizational mandate/resources
• Expected impact

2. Defining General Objectives & Strategy

Objectives Should Be:

• Realistic (1–5 year timeframe)
• Clear about intended outcomes for victims

Three Levels of Intervention:

1. Responsive Action: Stop ongoing abuses (e.g., negotiating ceasefires).
2. Remedial Action: Restore dignity (e.g., trauma care for survivors).
3. Environment-Building: Long-term prevention (e.g., legal reforms).

Modes of Action:

• Persuasion: Confidential dialogue with authorities.
• Support: Technical/financial aid to authorities.
• Substitution: Direct intervention if authorities fail.
• Mobilization: Engage external actors (e.g., UN, NGOs).
• Denunciation: Public condemnation as a last resort.

Example Strategy: Addressing sexual violence in IDP camps might combine legal advocacy (persuasion), survivor support (substitution), and awareness campaigns (mobilization).

3. Setting Specific Objectives

Translate strategy into measurable actions. Example:

4. Implementation

Requirements:

• Adequate staffing (balance expatriate/national roles).
• Long-term commitment (years, not months).
• Coordination with stakeholders (NGOs, communities).

Challenges:

• Security risks for national staff.
• Avoiding duplication with other agencies.

5. Monitoring & Evaluation

Purpose:

• Track progress and adapt strategies.
• Measure impact (e.g., reduced violations).

Indicators:

• Quantitative: Number of documented cases.
• Qualitative: Victim testimonies, authority compliance.

Example (Colombia):

• Zones were prioritized based on violence levels.
• Multidisciplinary teams tracked safety perceptions and perpetrator engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Holistic Approach: Combine legal, medical, and psychosocial responses.
• Adaptability: Reassess priorities as contexts evolve.
• Collaboration: Leverage partnerships for broader impact.