The UK’s policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda, amidst reports of the latter’s support for M23 rebels and associated human rights abuses, presents a stark ethical dilemma and contradicts the notion of Rwanda as a safe country.

In an interview with AOAV, Dr. Johanna Rodehau-Noack, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University, discusses her research on international conflict prevention, the role of fatality counts in shaping such efforts, and the ethical and practical limitations of relying solely on quantifiable metrics to define and address armed conflicts.

The UN Secretary-General’s annual report on civilian protection in conflict zones highlights the grave impact of explosive weapons on civilians, especially in populated areas, praises the adoption of a political declaration aimed at strengthening civilian protection, and urges states to swiftly endorse and implement it to prevent further harm.

This report highlights the grave human rights violations and devastation caused by the use of explosive weapons in Sudan’s armed conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for international action, including an arms embargo and targeted sanctions, to protect civilians, ensure accountability, and provide humanitarian assistance.