Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict — November 2023

Summary

• The number of civilian casualties remained high in November with at least 461 civilians killed or injured. The number of civilian casualties in November was 24 per cent lower than in October 2023, and 37 per cent lower than in November 2022, continuing a trend of gradual decline in 2023.
• Most civilian casualties (86 per cent) and damage to educational and medical facilities (76 per cent) continued to occur in Government-controlled territory.
• While the majority of civilian casualties continued to occur in areas near the frontline by shelling and multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), there were frequent attempts in November to attack targets in populated areas in government-controlled territory across the country, particularly with loitering munitions. Most of these attacks did not cause significant civilian casualties or damage because they were intercepted. However, continued attacks in populated areas, including with other types of weapons, could lead to increased civilian harm.