A recent comprehensive analysis has unveiled alarming patterns in armed conflicts over the past 18 months, revealing that international humanitarian law is nearing a breaking point. The report, produced by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, indicates that over 100,000 civilians have been killed, with widespread violations of human rights including torture and sexual violence occurring largely without consequence.
A Grim Toll on Civilians
The study, titled “War Watch,” scrutinises 23 conflicts worldwide from July 2024 to the end of 2025. It highlights the devastating impact on civilians, notably the deaths of 18,592 children in Gaza and a rising number of casualties in Ukraine. The report characterises the current state of international humanitarian law (IHL) as critically endangered, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and reform in the face of escalating violence.
Lead author Stuart Casey-Maslen stated, “Atrocity crimes are being repeated because past ones were tolerated. Our actions – or inaction – will determine whether international humanitarian law vanishes altogether.” This stark warning reflects the growing impunity with which such crimes are committed.
Escalating Conflicts and Civilian Casualties
The report indicates that the conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant civilian losses, with relentless Israeli military operations following the Hamas assault on 7 October 2023. The population of Gaza has plummeted by approximately 254,000 individuals, a decline of 10.6% from pre-conflict estimates. Despite a ceasefire established in October 2025, violence has persisted, resulting in further fatalities, including approximately 12,400 women.
In Ukraine, civilian deaths recorded in 2025 exceeded those in the previous two years, with 2,514 confirmed fatalities—an increase of 70% from 2023. The report draws attention to the deliberate targeting of civilians by Russian drone strikes, alongside widespread destruction of infrastructure, leaving millions without basic utilities.
Gender-Based Violence: An Alarming Trend
Sexual violence has emerged as a pervasive issue across various conflicts. The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces a severe crisis, described as an “epidemic” of sexual violence, where nearly all factions are implicated. Victims range from infants to the elderly, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of these atrocities.
In Sudan, following the fall of El Fasher to rebel forces in October 2025, reports of brutal sexual violence have surfaced, with survivors recounting harrowing experiences of gang rape by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters. The report underscores a disturbing trend where such acts occur in the presence of family members, exacerbating the trauma experienced by victims.
Addressing Impunity: Recommendations for Change
The report calls for urgent action to bridge the widening gap between the obligations set forth in the Geneva Conventions and the grim reality of ongoing war crimes. It recommends several measures to combat impunity, including a ban on arms sales to countries where there is a high risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law. Additionally, the use of unguided bombs and inaccurate artillery in populated areas should be prohibited, alongside restrictions on drone warfare targeting civilians.
Furthermore, the report urges for the systematic prosecution of war crimes and advocates for enhanced support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague and national war crimes tribunals. Notably, many significant powers, including the US, Russia, China, Israel, and India, are not signatories to the ICC, complicating the path to accountability.
Why it Matters
The findings of the “War Watch” report signal a critical moment in the fight for human rights and the enforcement of international humanitarian law. As civilian casualties soar and violations persist, the call for a concerted global response becomes more pressing. The implications of ignoring these trends are profound, threatening not only the lives of millions but also the very foundations of international order and justice. Without decisive action, the principles designed to protect civilians in times of conflict risk being rendered obsolete, leaving a legacy of suffering and impunity.