Mae Thompson
@maethompson.bsky.social
(she/her)
Senior Advocacy Officer @ceasefirecentre.bsky.social
Formerly @libyanjustice.bsky.social
Looking at emergent justice through a decolonial + feminist lens. Views here mine.
Senior Advocacy Officer @ceasefirecentre.bsky.social
Formerly @libyanjustice.bsky.social
Looking at emergent justice through a decolonial + feminist lens. Views here mine.
Latest Conflict Index from @acleddata.bsky.social suggests that conflict levels stabilised in 2025 while violence targeting civilians increased, described by analysts as a troubling ‘new normal’
What's driving conflict today? A review of global trends
ACLED’s conflict data shed light on how governments and armed groups are changing the global political landscape.
acleddata.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Latest Conflict Index from @acleddata.bsky.social suggests that conflict levels stabilised in 2025 while violence targeting civilians increased, described by analysts as a troubling ‘new normal’
Reposted by Mae Thompson
This is the letter received by an Iraqi family in Basra after their father was arrested. “British Forces have treated him in a good way according to the British Rules”, writes the commanding officer reassuringly.
In fact, as the officer knew very well, their father was already dead. SHORT 🧵
In fact, as the officer knew very well, their father was already dead. SHORT 🧵
December 10, 2025 at 5:08 PM
This is the letter received by an Iraqi family in Basra after their father was arrested. “British Forces have treated him in a good way according to the British Rules”, writes the commanding officer reassuringly.
In fact, as the officer knew very well, their father was already dead. SHORT 🧵
In fact, as the officer knew very well, their father was already dead. SHORT 🧵
Reposted by Mae Thompson
What made the US-backed aid system in Gaza so deadly?
Our new short film reconstructs two Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distributions, showing how the militarised aid system resulted in death and injury.
Watch the full video here:
ghf.airwars.org
Our new short film reconstructs two Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distributions, showing how the militarised aid system resulted in death and injury.
Watch the full video here:
ghf.airwars.org
Surviving The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation - An Airwars Investigation
For five months, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was the main distributor of food in Gaza. Backed by the United States and Israel, more than 1,000 people were allegedly killed seeking aid at it...
ghf.airwars.org
December 10, 2025 at 3:12 PM
What made the US-backed aid system in Gaza so deadly?
Our new short film reconstructs two Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distributions, showing how the militarised aid system resulted in death and injury.
Watch the full video here:
ghf.airwars.org
Our new short film reconstructs two Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distributions, showing how the militarised aid system resulted in death and injury.
Watch the full video here:
ghf.airwars.org
Reposted by Mae Thompson
Afghan Inquiry publishes redacted evidence from closed hearings in 2024 involving former Special Forces members, after refusing the MoD’s request to delay release.
Newly published docs reveal the Inquiry was told UKSF leadership suppressed evidence of possible war crimes.
Newly published docs reveal the Inquiry was told UKSF leadership suppressed evidence of possible war crimes.
Special Forces heads suppressed SAS war crime evidence, inquiry hears
An officer tells the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan UK Special Forces leadership was
www.bbc.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Afghan Inquiry publishes redacted evidence from closed hearings in 2024 involving former Special Forces members, after refusing the MoD’s request to delay release.
Newly published docs reveal the Inquiry was told UKSF leadership suppressed evidence of possible war crimes.
Newly published docs reveal the Inquiry was told UKSF leadership suppressed evidence of possible war crimes.
Reposted by Mae Thompson
Can civil justice, operational learning and civilian agency help close the IHL enforcement gap?
Our new IRRC article explores the role of redress in upholding IHL principles and preventing civilian harm.
Read it in full: doi.org/10.1017/S181...
Our new IRRC article explores the role of redress in upholding IHL principles and preventing civilian harm.
Read it in full: doi.org/10.1017/S181...
Upholding humanity: The role of redress in preventing and responding to civilian harm | International Review of the Red Cross | Cambridge Core
Upholding humanity: The role of redress in preventing and responding to civilian harm
doi.org
November 28, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Can civil justice, operational learning and civilian agency help close the IHL enforcement gap?
Our new IRRC article explores the role of redress in upholding IHL principles and preventing civilian harm.
Read it in full: doi.org/10.1017/S181...
Our new IRRC article explores the role of redress in upholding IHL principles and preventing civilian harm.
Read it in full: doi.org/10.1017/S181...
Reposted by Mae Thompson
The report highlights that the UK maintains a seemingly
ineffective approach to civilian harm tracking; fails to investigate civilian harm consistently; and has introduced unprecedented legislation to severely restrict civilians’ access to response-and accountability mechanisms.
ineffective approach to civilian harm tracking; fails to investigate civilian harm consistently; and has introduced unprecedented legislation to severely restrict civilians’ access to response-and accountability mechanisms.
November 13, 2025 at 2:53 PM
The report highlights that the UK maintains a seemingly
ineffective approach to civilian harm tracking; fails to investigate civilian harm consistently; and has introduced unprecedented legislation to severely restrict civilians’ access to response-and accountability mechanisms.
ineffective approach to civilian harm tracking; fails to investigate civilian harm consistently; and has introduced unprecedented legislation to severely restrict civilians’ access to response-and accountability mechanisms.
Reposted by Mae Thompson
OUT NOW: Our new report finds UK defence is ill-prepared to protect civilians from harm from UK military operations.
Full report: www.ceasefire.org/uk-defence-i...
Full report: www.ceasefire.org/uk-defence-i...
November 6, 2025 at 8:46 AM
OUT NOW: Our new report finds UK defence is ill-prepared to protect civilians from harm from UK military operations.
Full report: www.ceasefire.org/uk-defence-i...
Full report: www.ceasefire.org/uk-defence-i...
If you’re in Belfast next week, this is sure to be a compelling and timely discussion with these brilliant experts.
RSVP: bit.ly/4ntCRDS
RSVP: bit.ly/4ntCRDS
Join us as we launch our latest report for a discussion at @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social on how the UK can prepare to protect civilians from its own actions in a volatile world.
▶️ Moot Court, 5 November @ 5pm
RSVP: bit.ly/4ntCRDS
▶️ Moot Court, 5 November @ 5pm
RSVP: bit.ly/4ntCRDS
October 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM
If you’re in Belfast next week, this is sure to be a compelling and timely discussion with these brilliant experts.
RSVP: bit.ly/4ntCRDS
RSVP: bit.ly/4ntCRDS
Reposted by Mae Thompson
With civilians in #Ukraine facing renewed attacks and peace talks still uncertain, how can the UK ensure its support is truly victim-centred? New blog post by Samantha Perren out now: www.ceasefire.org/how-can-the-...
How can the UK support victim-centred responses to civilian harm in Ukraine? - The Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights
While the possibility of peace negotiations remains uncertain, Russia’s bombardment of Ukraine continues, with Ukrainian civilians coming under renewed attack. Civilians harmed by the conflict have a ...
www.ceasefire.org
October 17, 2025 at 5:16 PM
With civilians in #Ukraine facing renewed attacks and peace talks still uncertain, how can the UK ensure its support is truly victim-centred? New blog post by Samantha Perren out now: www.ceasefire.org/how-can-the-...
Reposted by Mae Thompson
As RSF attacks on Sudan's besieged city of El Fasher intensify, Yousif Mohamed argues that remote and civilian-led monitoring and documentation efforts should be supported and used to guide policy responses.
New blog post out now:
New blog post out now:
In the absence of witness: Why remote and civilian-led documentation of atrocity violence in Sudan must be supported by international actors
by Yousif Mohamed - Sudan’s civil war, now in its third year, has torn the country apart. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), backed by foreign powers and ...
www.ceasefire.org
September 1, 2025 at 10:53 AM
As RSF attacks on Sudan's besieged city of El Fasher intensify, Yousif Mohamed argues that remote and civilian-led monitoring and documentation efforts should be supported and used to guide policy responses.
New blog post out now:
New blog post out now:
Reposted by Mae Thompson
On another unspeakably grim day for Palestinians in Gaza, I talked to @aljazeeraenglish.bsky.social about starvation as a war crime.
mediaview.aljazeera.com/video/qDghRd...
mediaview.aljazeera.com/video/qDghRd...
July 22, 2025 at 5:10 PM
On another unspeakably grim day for Palestinians in Gaza, I talked to @aljazeeraenglish.bsky.social about starvation as a war crime.
mediaview.aljazeera.com/video/qDghRd...
mediaview.aljazeera.com/video/qDghRd...
We launched a blog! A space that puts civilian rights and perspectives at the forefront. If you’re interested in contributing, get in touch.
We’re pleased to announce the launch of our new #CivilianRights blog – a platform centring the rights, perspectives and lived realities of civilians affected by conflict.
www.ceasefire.org/blog/
www.ceasefire.org/blog/
Blog - The Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights
Blog Search Our blog aims to provide an inclusive platform for commentary and analysis which centres the rights, perspectives and lived realities of civilians affected by conflict. Posts reflect the v...
www.ceasefire.org
July 18, 2025 at 5:36 PM
We launched a blog! A space that puts civilian rights and perspectives at the forefront. If you’re interested in contributing, get in touch.
Reposted by Mae Thompson
“I do not see why Parliament was not read in to the situation… so they could exercise that oversight and scrutiny”
Mike Martin MP says the Afghan data leak + superinjunction expose a wider MoD culture of cover-up. Without democratic scrutiny, accountability suffers. Afghanistan is a case in point.
Mike Martin MP says the Afghan data leak + superinjunction expose a wider MoD culture of cover-up. Without democratic scrutiny, accountability suffers. Afghanistan is a case in point.
July 18, 2025 at 4:46 PM
“I do not see why Parliament was not read in to the situation… so they could exercise that oversight and scrutiny”
Mike Martin MP says the Afghan data leak + superinjunction expose a wider MoD culture of cover-up. Without democratic scrutiny, accountability suffers. Afghanistan is a case in point.
Mike Martin MP says the Afghan data leak + superinjunction expose a wider MoD culture of cover-up. Without democratic scrutiny, accountability suffers. Afghanistan is a case in point.
Reposted by Mae Thompson
As the U.S. administration pushes for a third round of Ukraine-Russia peace talks, Michael Raff and @mglattimer.bsky.social argue that historical precedent and financial leverage offer hope that reparations for conflict-related harm may be attainable in a future deal.
Reparations May Be Within Reach in a Ukraine-Russia Deal
Historical precedent and financial leverage indicate a negotiated route to delivering reparations for civilian harm in Ukraine is possible.
www.lawfaremedia.org
July 18, 2025 at 4:52 PM
As the U.S. administration pushes for a third round of Ukraine-Russia peace talks, Michael Raff and @mglattimer.bsky.social argue that historical precedent and financial leverage offer hope that reparations for conflict-related harm may be attainable in a future deal.
Reposted by Mae Thompson
Our partner, Volodymyr Shcherbachenko, speaking to Times Radio: "I do believe in justice... It's a huge amount of money, frozen russian assets, they are available, and this money can be used for #reparations for civilians."
Full interview: www.youtube.com/watch?app=de...
#Ukraine
Full interview: www.youtube.com/watch?app=de...
#Ukraine
Putin’s frozen assets could be used as reparations for Ukraine
YouTube video by Times Radio
www.youtube.com
July 8, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Our partner, Volodymyr Shcherbachenko, speaking to Times Radio: "I do believe in justice... It's a huge amount of money, frozen russian assets, they are available, and this money can be used for #reparations for civilians."
Full interview: www.youtube.com/watch?app=de...
#Ukraine
Full interview: www.youtube.com/watch?app=de...
#Ukraine
Reposted by Mae Thompson
“The UK must approach Ukraine reparations not as a distant post-conflict project, but as a current and urgent imperative.”
@maethompson.bsky.social at packed
@ceasefirecentre.bsky.social event in Parliament last night.
Thx to @alexsobel.co.uk for his leadership on Ukraine #reparations
@maethompson.bsky.social at packed
@ceasefirecentre.bsky.social event in Parliament last night.
Thx to @alexsobel.co.uk for his leadership on Ukraine #reparations
July 8, 2025 at 2:01 PM
“The UK must approach Ukraine reparations not as a distant post-conflict project, but as a current and urgent imperative.”
@maethompson.bsky.social at packed
@ceasefirecentre.bsky.social event in Parliament last night.
Thx to @alexsobel.co.uk for his leadership on Ukraine #reparations
@maethompson.bsky.social at packed
@ceasefirecentre.bsky.social event in Parliament last night.
Thx to @alexsobel.co.uk for his leadership on Ukraine #reparations
Reposted by Mae Thompson
Episode 3 of our civilian harm and redress podcast is out on the Dutch experience in Hawija with Erin Bijl @officialpax.bsky.social @maethompson.bsky.social & Major Steven van de Putt
lawpod.org/podcast/the-...
lawpod.org/podcast/the-...
The Dutch Approach to Civilian Harm Accountability
In the third episode of the mini-series on Civilian Harm in Conflict, host Mae Thompson is joined by Erin Bijl (PAX, Dutch NGO) and Major Steven van de Put (Royal Netherlands Air Force, former student...
lawpod.org
July 4, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Episode 3 of our civilian harm and redress podcast is out on the Dutch experience in Hawija with Erin Bijl @officialpax.bsky.social @maethompson.bsky.social & Major Steven van de Putt
lawpod.org/podcast/the-...
lawpod.org/podcast/the-...
Reposted by Mae Thompson
Transparency on official legal advice is essential to democratic control of war powers, as recommended in recent report from @ceasefirecentre.bsky.social
Here: bit.ly/4lc4MHI
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Here: bit.ly/4lc4MHI
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Ministers urged to publish legal advice on UK involvement in Israel-Iran war
Calls follow news that attorney general advised government to limit its involvement to defending allies
www.theguardian.com
June 19, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Transparency on official legal advice is essential to democratic control of war powers, as recommended in recent report from @ceasefirecentre.bsky.social
Here: bit.ly/4lc4MHI
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Here: bit.ly/4lc4MHI
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Mae Thompson
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) advocates pivoting the armed forces to ‘warfighting readiness'—but does it address the broader implications for global #peace and #security?
Saferworld's Lewis Brooks and Charlie Linney analyse the risks 👇 #UKDefence
Saferworld's Lewis Brooks and Charlie Linney analyse the risks 👇 #UKDefence
The UK Strategic Defence Review: A risky rearmament plan
www.saferworld-global.org
June 11, 2025 at 2:42 PM
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) advocates pivoting the armed forces to ‘warfighting readiness'—but does it address the broader implications for global #peace and #security?
Saferworld's Lewis Brooks and Charlie Linney analyse the risks 👇 #UKDefence
Saferworld's Lewis Brooks and Charlie Linney analyse the risks 👇 #UKDefence
Reposted by Mae Thompson
SAVE THE DATE – 7 July, 17.00, House of Commons
Join us in marking the UK launch of our recent report with an expert panel to discuss how the UK can support reparations for civilian harm in Ukraine.
Chaired by Alex Sobel MP and Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP
RSVP: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-can-th...
Join us in marking the UK launch of our recent report with an expert panel to discuss how the UK can support reparations for civilian harm in Ukraine.
Chaired by Alex Sobel MP and Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP
RSVP: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-can-th...
June 12, 2025 at 2:53 PM
SAVE THE DATE – 7 July, 17.00, House of Commons
Join us in marking the UK launch of our recent report with an expert panel to discuss how the UK can support reparations for civilian harm in Ukraine.
Chaired by Alex Sobel MP and Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP
RSVP: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-can-th...
Join us in marking the UK launch of our recent report with an expert panel to discuss how the UK can support reparations for civilian harm in Ukraine.
Chaired by Alex Sobel MP and Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP
RSVP: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-can-th...
Reposted by Mae Thompson
Have you watched our latest #film Escaping Libya’s Detention Industry?
The investigation traces how detention centres across #Libya have become a part of a cycle of extortion, abuse, release, and re-capture, fuelled by #EU support.
Watch full video here: www.libyanjustice.org/news/film-es...
The investigation traces how detention centres across #Libya have become a part of a cycle of extortion, abuse, release, and re-capture, fuelled by #EU support.
Watch full video here: www.libyanjustice.org/news/film-es...
June 3, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Have you watched our latest #film Escaping Libya’s Detention Industry?
The investigation traces how detention centres across #Libya have become a part of a cycle of extortion, abuse, release, and re-capture, fuelled by #EU support.
Watch full video here: www.libyanjustice.org/news/film-es...
The investigation traces how detention centres across #Libya have become a part of a cycle of extortion, abuse, release, and re-capture, fuelled by #EU support.
Watch full video here: www.libyanjustice.org/news/film-es...
Reposted by Mae Thompson
1/2 What does today's #StrategicDefenceReview mean for civilians? Increased military capability can bring increased risks. It’s vital that #CivilianRights, protection and accountability are at the heart of defence policy, ensuring that the UK upholds its responsibilities under international law.
June 2, 2025 at 5:02 PM
1/2 What does today's #StrategicDefenceReview mean for civilians? Increased military capability can bring increased risks. It’s vital that #CivilianRights, protection and accountability are at the heart of defence policy, ensuring that the UK upholds its responsibilities under international law.
Reposted by Mae Thompson
Episode 2 'Civilian Harm in Yemen' of our podcast 'Civilian harm in conflict' is now out with @maethompson.bsky.social Bonyan Gamal & @kristinebeckerle.bsky.social
lawpod.org/podcast/civi...
lawpod.org/podcast/civi...
Civilian Harm in Yemen
In the second episode of the mini-series on Civilian Harm in Conflict, host Mae Thompson from Ceasefire, the Center for Civilian Rights, explores the issue of reparations for victims of military actio...
lawpod.org
June 2, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Episode 2 'Civilian Harm in Yemen' of our podcast 'Civilian harm in conflict' is now out with @maethompson.bsky.social Bonyan Gamal & @kristinebeckerle.bsky.social
lawpod.org/podcast/civi...
lawpod.org/podcast/civi...
Reposted by Mae Thompson
Amid a surge in grave violations against children in conflict, we call on #UNSG António Guterres to publish a complete list of perpetrators in his 2025 Children and Armed Conflict report. #CAAC #CivilianRights
www.ceasefire.org/ceasefire-jo...
www.ceasefire.org/ceasefire-jo...
Amid rising child casualties, Ceasefire joins call for UN to publish a complete list of perpetrators in its 2025 Children and Armed Conflict report
Ahead of the publication of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights has signed a joint letter, published to...
www.ceasefire.org
May 30, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Amid a surge in grave violations against children in conflict, we call on #UNSG António Guterres to publish a complete list of perpetrators in his 2025 Children and Armed Conflict report. #CAAC #CivilianRights
www.ceasefire.org/ceasefire-jo...
www.ceasefire.org/ceasefire-jo...
The Haddon-Cave Public Inquiry has begun its analytical examination and review of the material on the previously wiped UKSF IT server – a crucial step towards long overdue answers.
www.iia.independent-inquiry.uk/news/
www.iia.independent-inquiry.uk/news/
News - Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan
www.iia.independent-inquiry.uk
May 29, 2025 at 10:53 AM
The Haddon-Cave Public Inquiry has begun its analytical examination and review of the material on the previously wiped UKSF IT server – a crucial step towards long overdue answers.
www.iia.independent-inquiry.uk/news/
www.iia.independent-inquiry.uk/news/