Internal armed conflicts

Nature

Internal armed conflict has resulted in the killing of many people in a number of countries. Killings may be carried out by government as well as opposition forces, and there are frequent reports of the indiscriminate killing of non-combatant civilians by government forces in areas where guerrillas are active. Intensive counter-guerrilla operations may use the strategy of emptying areas of the entire civilian population in order to eliminate any possible support for the guerrillas, and often indiscriminate killings occur, involving entire village populations including women and children. Villagers are also abducted and killed by 'death squads' under military control; torture and mutilation are routinely practised. In some cases, people trying to flee the areas of armed conflict or those who reached refugee camps in neighbouring countries are indiscriminately attacked by government forces; many are killed. Often it is claimed that those villages and refugee camps were infiltrated by guerrilla forces and that death occurred in armed clashes between government troops and guerrilla forces. In a number of countries a state of siege or a state of emergency is imposed and constitutional guarantees for human rights are suspended or severely curtailed. In some countries heavy security measures are enforced and arbitrary arrest and detention of those suspected of their involvement with guerrilla movements frequently result in the execution of detainees.

Background

The significance of internal armed conflicts emerged prominently in the post-World War II era, as decolonization and ideological rivalries fueled civil wars and insurgencies worldwide. The Cold War period saw such conflicts intensify, drawing international attention to their devastating humanitarian and political consequences. Recognition of their global impact deepened in the 1990s, as conflicts in Rwanda, the Balkans, and elsewhere underscored the complexities of intervention, peacebuilding, and the protection of civilian populations.

Incidence

Internal armed conflicts continue to affect numerous countries worldwide, with the United Nations reporting over 50 active conflicts within national borders as of 2023. These conflicts often result in significant civilian casualties, mass displacement, and widespread destruction of infrastructure, contributing to regional instability and humanitarian crises. The persistence and proliferation of such conflicts underscore their global significance and the challenges they pose to peace and development.
In 2023, Sudan experienced a severe internal armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, primarily in Khartoum and Darfur. The fighting led to thousands of deaths, massive displacement, and a deepening humanitarian emergency.

Claim

Internal armed conflicts are a devastating and urgent global crisis. They shatter societies, destroy economies, and inflict unimaginable suffering on innocent civilians. These conflicts breed instability, displacement, and long-term trauma, often spilling across borders and fueling further violence. Ignoring internal armed conflicts is not only morally indefensible but also dangerously short-sighted. The world must prioritize resolving these crises to protect human rights, promote peace, and ensure a safer, more just future for all.

Counter-claim

Internal armed conflicts are vastly overblown as a global concern. Most nations remain stable, and these conflicts are often isolated, affecting only small regions. The world faces far more pressing issues—such as climate change and economic inequality—that impact billions. Media sensationalism exaggerates the significance of internal strife, distracting attention from real, widespread problems. In reality, internal armed conflicts are not a major threat to global peace or progress.