Continuing the attention given in previous reports to the problems resulting from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, the most recent report issued by the UN Secretary-General on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict raises concerns and provides recommendations and guidance to states on this issue.

In this report issued on 22 November 2013, the UN Secretary-General states that the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has been instructed to engage with Member States, the ICRC, civil society and other actors to: “develop practical measures, including a political commitment by Member States to addressing the problem and producing operational guidance.”

The report also calls on Member States to engage proactively in efforts by supporting organisations undertaking research in this area and engaging in a process aimed at developing a political commitment and guidance with regard to reducing the short-term and longer-term impact on civilians of explosive weapons in populated areas.

The Secretary-General reiterated his call that: “parties to conflict should refrain from the use in populated areas of explosive weapons with wide-area effect and the Security Council, whenever relevant, should call upon parties to conflict to refrain from such use.”

He also highlighted the findings of the recent meeting of governmental and other experts organised by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs along with Chatham House, and laid out three work streams for the work ahead, including: “further research into different aspects of the problem; the collection of operational good practice to form the basis for guidance to parties to conflict; and formal recognition of the problem by Member States and a commitment to addressing it, including through the adoption of operational guidance.”

The report also states that future guidance to states should draw on existing good practice and existing and future research, including that identified at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs-Chatham House expert meeting and at future consultations.

The report cites INEW member, Action on Armed Violence’s findings that more than 34,700 people were killed and injured by explosive weapons in 2012.

The report also raises concerns that thousands of civilians in Syria have been subject to direct and indiscriminate attacks, including the widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The full report is available here.