In the third episode of the mini-series on Civilian Harm in Conflict, host Mae Thompson is joined by Erin Bijl (PAX, Dutch NGO) and Major Steven van de Put (Royal Netherlands Air Force, former student) to explore the Dutch approach to accountability for civilian harm.

Resources

• PAX Report: Community-Level Responses to Harm: Lessons Learned from Iraq Link: protectionofcivilians.org/report/community-level-responses-to-harm-lessons-learned-from-iraq/
• Civilian Protection Monitor Link: https://civilianprotectionmonitor.org

This podcast is the third in a series of episode on Civilian Harm in Conflict – hosted by Mae Thompson, advocacy officer at Ceasefire. The podcast is an output of the AHRC funded ‘Reparations during Armed Conflict‘ project with Queen’s University Belfast, University College London and Ceasefire, led by Professor Luke Moffett.

In this special episode Katie O’Doherty delves into the illegal waste dumping scandal at the Mobuoy dump near the River Faughan in Northern Ireland, a scandal described by Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir as a "sophisticated and deliberate environmental crime of unprecedented scale”.

It explores the background of this large scale environmental crime, discussing systemic failures and the roles of governmental agencies. Interviews with environmental activists James Orr from Friends of the Earth and Dean Blackwood from the River Faughan Anglers and The Environmental Gathering shed light on the significance of the recent sentencing of two company directors, the importance of the first “Victim Personal Statement” given by a river in Northern Ireland, and ongoing calls for a public inquiry.

The discussion also touches on the broader implications for environmental governance, the need for recognising the rights of nature, and the systemic issues impacting environmental protection in post-conflict societies.

Throughout the episode you will hear excerpts of the Victim Personal Statement on behalf of the river that was put to music by students from Lawpod – The statement was submitted as part of court proceedings prior to sentencing.

https://friendsoftheearth.uk/northern-ireland

https://www.faughan.org

https://www.ursulaburns.co.uk/post/13-riot-police-and-a-harp

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c365yn4d907o

https://youtu.be/RMj8w7Zbls4

Thanks to Lawpod Students Katie O’Doherty Presenter and Narrator

Eva Richards – Cello

Alexandra Elizabeth Morar – Violin

In the second episode of the mini-series on Civilian Harm in Conflict, host Mae Thompson from Ceasefire, the Center for Civilian Rights, explores the issues of civillian harm and reparations for victims of military actions in Yemen.

The discussion features insights from Bonyan Gamal, a lawyer based in Sana'a Yemen and Program Manager of the Yemeni Archive, Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director of Amnesty International for the Middle East and North Africa and co-investigator on the Reparations for Civilian Harm in Conflict project, and Professor Luke Moffett from Queen's University School of law. The guests explore the various harms experienced by Yemeni civilians, including psychological, economic, and direct physical impacts, and discuss the obstacles and potential solutions for obtaining reparations and accountability.

The conversation emphasises the need for a victim-centered approach, improved state policies, and the importance of international support and acknowledgment to address the long-standing grievances and ensure non-repetition of violations.

This podcast is the second in a series of episode on Civilian Harm in Conflict – hosted by Mae Thompson, advocacy officer at Ceasefire. The podcast is an output of the AHRC funded ‘Reparations during Armed Conflict‘ project with Queen’s University Belfast, University College London and Ceasefire, led by Professor Luke Moffett.