This Handbook focuses on lessons and best practices to mitigate and respond to civilian harm associated with U.S. military operations and those of partners whom they advise or support. CHMR is one essential component of the “protection of civilians” (POC).

CNA research reveals how civilian harm happens in practice and offers practical solutions. We have led or contributed to every US assessment of civilian harm mitigation, and our recommendations have informed practice and policy, including the DOD Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan.

practices related to civilian casualties and drafting proposed updated policies related to minimizing civilian casualties. The working group has also helped DoD fulfill requirements to...

U.S. pre-planned attacks to be relatively effective in minimizing civilian casualties. The main concerns over civilian casualties centered on coalition forces conducting time-sensitive targeting of leadership in urban areas.2 Counterinsurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan

best practices that reduce the likelihood of civilian casualties, taking appropriate steps when such casualties occur, and drawing lessons from operations to further the protection of civilians.