Austria and UN OCHA have invited a number of interested states, international and civil society organisations to join discussions towards expressing a stronger political commitment on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas with a view to strengthening civilian protection, an initiative which the United Na­tions Secretary-General explicitly welcomes in his latest report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The meeting will highlight the humanitarian impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, and begin discussions about the scope and possible elements of a political commitment, representing a key opportunity to begin addressing this humanitarian problem.