This paper sets out why attempts by some states to limit the issue of explosive weapons use in populated areas to only the “indiscriminate use” in these contexts would undermine the humanitarian value of a future declaration by reducing it to simply a political reaffirmation of states’ obligation to follow the law.
Image © REUTERS/Mohsin Raza

This background note to the ongoing consultations on a political declaration on explosive weapons in populated areas responds to critical questions that have been raised about the connections between multilateral political action on explosive weapons and the obligation to protect civilians under international humanitarian law (IHL).

Explosive weapons that have wide area effects are especially problematic when used in populated areas. In this background note to the consultations on a political declaration on explosive weapons in populated areas we elaborate on the link between the technical characteristics of these weapons and the risk they pose to civilians.

This short paper highlights three key points on the Draft Elements of a Political Declaration paper that INEW would urge states to expand on at the next consultations, that will take place on 10 February (10.00-18.00), Room XXI, Palais des Nations, Geneva.

Towards a political declaration to address the harm from explosive weapons in
populated areas: Key issues ahead of the informal consultation in Geneva on 18 November 2019

This report, based on interviews with survivors and humanitarian actors as well as a literature review, highlights the devastating consequences of the use of explosive weapons.
Image: © A. Taslidžan Al-Osta/ HI – Syria, 2019

INEW briefing on protecting civilians EWIPA UNGA2019

Elements of a political declaration to prevent harm.
Photo: Children in Azaz, Aleppo governorate in Syria (© IHH Humanitarian Relief Fondation https://flic.kr/p/mC9de1)

INEW Q&A SEP 2019