In conflicts around the world, the targeting of civilians and their homes, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure has become routine. People are cut off from food, water and lifesaving assistance. The IRC advocates with global leaders for actions that uphold the laws of war, protect civilians in conflict, hold violators to account and allow humanitarian organizations to have greater access to people in need.

The Case of Afghanistan and Somalia

This week, world leaders will convene in New York for the annual United Nations GeneralAssembly (UNGA)—a gathering that has unfortunately become notable not for the combinedpolitical and diplomatic power concentrated in one place at one time, but for the annual failureto leverage that power to address the world’s most pressing challenges.