Who holds our military to account?
Events
Join IRW researchers in the Tivoli for the launch of their latest book and a lively debate on remote warfare, civilian harm and democratic control
Here you will find a variety of relevant publications, op-eds, events, and podcasts published by ourselves and others.
Remote warfare is only remote for some. While politicians portray it as riskless, algorithmic targeting and ‘precision’ airstrikes often lead to widescale civilian casualties. These casualties are often denied, kept secret or undercounted to maintain the myth of a clean war. In response, a growing community of scholars and NGOs have utilised remote-sensing techniques to monitor civilian harm. The resulting contestation of the exact numbers of civilian casualties has provoked intense debate. This raises pressing questions about the impact of the violence executed and democratic control.
Reverberating civilian harm effects under international humanitarian law
Article
Dr. Machiko Kanetake reflects on IRW’s 'After the Strike' report and the way its findings should influence debates in international humanitarian law.
IRW researchers publish book on Hawija bombardments
Book
In its latest book publication, IRW brings together researchers, politicians, NGOs, lawyers, and victims of the 2015 Dutch F16 bombing of Hawija to reflect on remote warfare, civilian harm and democratic control.
Increased defense budgets should result in victim compensation funds
Op-ed
In an op-ed in Het Parool, IRW’s Jip van Dort and PAX’s Erin Bijl argue that a modest part of the increased Defence budget should be invested in the creation of victim compensation funds.
The Remote Warfare Paradox
Events
On Tuesday 14 June from 20:00 to 21:30 CEST, dr. Gould will lecture on the ‘remote warfare paradox’ and her successful efforts to expose the civilian harm effects of the 2015 Dutch airstrike of Hawija at the Instituto Cervantes, Utrecht.
Armed drones are not some kind of superweapon
Op-ed
While the war in Ukraine rages on, the Dutch state seems to be laying the political foundations for the armament of its military drones. In an op-ed in Het Parool, IRW’s Lauren Gould and Jip van Dort reflect on the shortcomings of this political process.
IRW launches joint report ‘After the Strike’
Events
The recordings of the sold-out live event in De Balie with, among others, Pulitzer Prize winner Azmat Khan are now available online.
Reflections on the new Dutch civilian harm transparency policy
Commentary
IRW and partners reflect on the recent policy changes they helped shape
Dutch House of Representatives to vote on use of armed drones
Commentary
One day after the Dutch armed forces made the first test-flight with a brand new MQ-9 Reaper, the Dutch House of Representatives will vote on a resolution to allow for its armament. IRW argues a more thorough debate is required.
After the strike: Exposing the civilian harm effects of the 2015 Dutch airstrike on Hawija
Report
IRW, PAX and Al-Ghad are proud to share their report on the direct and reverberating effects of the 2015 Dutch aistrike on Hawija, Iraq