Integrating Foreseeable Indirect Effects of Water Services Damage and Pollution of Freshwater on Civilians and the Environment into Military Operations

Protection de l'eau pendant et après les conflits armés Note et commentaire

GASWAC 26-27 November 2025 Geneva Workshop Report

Freshwater ecosystems and associated infrastructure are civilian objects frequently affected by military operations. Their protection is not only a legal obligation under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), but also a matter of operational foresight and risk mitigation. Water infrastructure and freshwater ecosystems are, in principle, protected as civilian objects under IHL. However, water infrastructure may become a military objective when it is simultaneously used for civilian and military purposes or otherwise makes an effective contribution to military action, including when integrated into national security systems.

Million Dollar Point, abandonned American military equipment on the beach, Luganville, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. ©Pvince73 on Adobe Stock

On 26–27 November 2025, the Geneva Water Hub, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, and with the support of Switzerland, convened a workshop entitled “Integrating Foreseeable Indirect Effects of Water Services Damage and Pollution of Freshwater on Civilians and the Environment into Military Operations” The event brought together military practitioners alongside representatives of international organizations, humanitarian NGOs, and academia. Over two intensive days, participants explored practical tools, operational experiences, and emerging good practices to strengthen the integration of predictive analysis of collateral damage to water services and freshwater ecosystems into military planning and decisionmaking.

The workshop therefore sought to bridge legal doctrine with practical planning tools and operational realities.
By equipping commanders, planners, and legal advisors with a more holistic understanding of water systems’ vulnerabilities and their long-term civilian and environmental consequences, the discussions aimed to enhance situational awareness, inform target engagement decisions, and ensure compliance with IHL without compromising combat effectiveness.

The Geneva Water Hub extends its sincere thanks to all participants for the openness, expertise and thoughtful contributions they brought to the workshop. Their collective input greatly enriched the discussions and this report,while individual contributions remain unattributed in accordance with the Chatham House Rule.

Télécharger le rapport complet ci-dessous.