Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Today, the civilian casualty rate in armed conflict is estimated to be around 90 percent. In recent decades, the majority of casualties in armed conflicts have been civilians, including women, children, and elderly people who are often the most vulnerable in times of war. This high rate of civilian casualties is due in part to the changing nature of modern warfare, which often involves urban combat, the use of improvised explosive devices, and other tactics that put civilians at greater risk. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of non-state actors in armed conflicts, such as terrorist groups and criminal gangs, has also contributed to the high rate of civilian casualties. The situation is made even more dire by the fact that many armed conflicts today are taking place in developing countries where healthcare systems are often insufficient to deal with the scale of the humanitarian crisis.
The high rate of civilian casualties in modern armed conflicts has a profound impact on both individuals and communities. It can lead to displacement, trauma, and loss of livelihoods, as well as exacerbating poverty, hindering access to education and healthcare, and creating barriers to long-term recovery and stability. The displacement of civilians can also lead to increased food insecurity and spread of disease, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
Civilians are often targeted deliberately in armed conflicts, both as a means of exerting control over a population and as a form of punishment for perceived support of one side or the other. The intentional targeting of civilians is a violation of international humanitarian law and is considered a war crime.
In recent years, there have been increasing efforts to address the issue of civilian casualties in armed conflicts, including through the development of international humanitarian law and the creation of protection mechanisms for civilians. However, much work remains to be done to ensure that civilians are better protected in times of armed conflict and to hold accountable those who deliberately target and harm civilians.
It is important to note that while the trend of high civilian casualties in armed conflict continues, there are also efforts underway to address this issue, including by the United Nations and other international organizations, as well as by humanitarian and human rights groups. These efforts are aimed at promoting the protection of civilians and ensuring that those who violate international humanitarian law are held accountable for their actions.