Till startsidan

Record Year of Violence Against Civilians and Aid Workers – Yet Strong Support for the Rules of War

This year has seen unprecedented violence against humanitarian workers. Medical facilities are being attacked, aid personnel are being killed, and life-saving operations are being obstructed. Simultaneously, a new public opinion survey conducted by Indikator on behalf of the Swedish Red Cross reveals strong support among Swedes for the rules of war. However, the survey also uncovers concerning attitudes: a significant portion believes that nearly anything is permissible in war if it leads to victory, and nearly three in ten Swedes express concern about the possibility of war in Sweden. 

Currently, over 120 armed conflicts are ongoing worldwide, with devastating consequences for civilians. An increasing number of people are suffering extreme hardship due to war and violence. The rules of war, or international humanitarian law, govern conduct during armed conflict. They aim to protect civilians, civilian infrastructure, medical services, humanitarian personnel, and wounded, sick, and captured soldiers. These laws also regulate the use of certain weapons and combat methods deemed particularly inhumane. The survey by Indikator assessed Swedish public knowledge and attitudes toward international humanitarian law. 

Key findings include: 

  • 90% are aware that international rules exist to etermine what is permissible and impermissible in war. 
  • 84% believe the rulesof war are very important. 
  • 78% completely agree that Sweden should clearly oppose violations of the rules of war; an additional 12% partially agree. 
  • 87% completely or partially agree that civilians should be protected in war, even if it complicates military operations. 
  • 28% are very or fairly worried about the prospect of war in Sweden. 
  • 70% completely or partially agree that humanitarian aid, such as food, shelter, and medicine, should be provided to civilians on the enemy side, even during active conflict. 

– It is encouraging that support for the rules of war remains strong. It is the responsibility of states to ensure these rules and laws are upheld. Within the Red Cross Movement, we know that the rulesof war make a difference and save lives every day. Yet, we are witnessing a brutal reality where civilians and aid workers are being killed, and hospitals are under attack. The survey indicates that the public, regardless of political affiliation, wants the Swedish government to take a clear stand when the rules of war are violated, says Ulrika Modéer, Secretary General of the Swedish Red Cross.

So far this year, 79 aid workers have been killed in the line of duty. Last year, the number was 384—the highest ever recorded, according to the Aid Worker Security Database. Just over a month ago, eight aid workers from the Palestine Red Crescent Society were killed while on mission in Gaza. Similar incidents are occurring in Sudan, Ukraine, and many other armed conflicts around the world. 

The survey also shows that Swedes largely understand what is permissible and impermissible in war: 

  • 84% believe it is forbidden to attack civilians. 
  • 91% believe rape in war is forbidden. 
  • 82% believe chemical weapons are forbidden. 

However, certain attitudes are cause for concern: 

  • 38% of men believe it is always acceptable to attack a military target to gain an advantage, regardless of civilian consequences. 
  • 18% of men believe it is acceptable to use any means that may lead to victory in war. Among the general population, this figure is 11%. 
  • 5% believe the use of chemical weapons should be allowed.  

– May 8 marks 80 years since the end of World War II. After the war, nations agreed that the horrors of war must be further limited—the Geneva Conventions were updated, and a fourth, concerning the protection of civilians, was adopted. Now, the number of armed conflicts worldwide is increasing, and civilians are suffering more than ever. Hostilities have moved into urban environments. If the rulesof war are followed, suffering is reduced, laying the foundation for a safer future and sustainable peace, says Ulrika Modéer.

Survey Details: 

  • Method: Web-based survey conducted within Indikator Opinion's randomly recruited Sweden Panel. 
  • Target Group: General public, ages 18–84. 
  • Number of Interviews: 1,032. 
  • Field Period: April 10–25, 2025. 
  • Participation Rate: 48%