In the course of ongoing consultations on a political declaration to address the harm to civilians from the use of explosive weapons (artillery shells, bombs, rockets, etc.) in cities, towns and other civilian populated areas, critical questions have been raised about the connections between multilateral political action on explosive weapons and the obligation to protect civilians under international humanitarian law (IHL).

In this background note to the consultations, Article 36 answers these key questions and sets out the role a political declaration can play.

Read the full note: “Protecting civilians from the effects of explosive weapons in populated areas: questions of IHL compliance”