The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights launched a new portal on armed conflicts and civilian harm called “WATCH”.

The platform provides accurate data on armed conflict classification as well as civilian harm and compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL), combining them into one accessible, regularly updated portal.

It is expected to bring clarity to the legal and humanitarian dimensions of today’s armed conflicts.

With clear criteria, it classifies a situation as an armed conflict with a deep analysis of real legal and practical consequences, key protective provisions of IHL triggered by an armed conflict. It also tracks civilian harm and assesses it against IHL, essential exercise to understanding patterns of violence, supporting accountability, and countering misinformation.

Currently, it presents five country entries, each offering the legal classification of the armed conflicts involved, an assessment of civilian harm and IHL compliance, and a concise snapshot of the situation.

More full entries including civilian harm and compliance will be included every three weeks until early March 2026, by when the portal will cover 38 countries. By mid-March 2026 it will have classified all ongoing armed conflicts in the world.

Explore the portal: WATCH