To date, expert and inter-governmental discussions on addressing the humanitarian impact of EWIPA have tended to focus on the use of EWIPA by State armed forces. It is expected that this will be the principal focus of any future political declaration. Less attention has been paid to the use of EWIPA by armed non-State actors (ANSAs). Yet, such use—and how to avoid or at least limit it—must be considered in order to ensure more effective and comprehensive protection of civilians.

The use of explosive weapons in populated areas has been identified as a key issue on the protection of civilians agenda by states and organisations over recent years. On 2-3 May 2018, Article 36 and CIVIC convened a workshop to gather military and civilian perspectives, and to identify, share and discuss military policies and procedures relevant to the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. This paper summarizes some of the key presentations and discussions from the workshop.

On 18 October 2018, INEW delivered a statement to the UN General Assembly’s First Committee raising concerns over the widespread harm that results from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, and encouraging all states to take urgent action to provide better protection to civilians in conflict.

INEW submission to Germany on EWIPA Talks

Explosive weapons: Protecting civilians from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas

Photo: © IHH Humanitarian Relief Fondation https://flic.kr/p/mC9de1

UNOCHA Compilation of Military Policy and Practice: Reducing the humanitarian impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas Read More

INEW briefing for UN General Assembly First Committee (September 2017)

INEW briefing paper ahead of EWIPA meeting at UN in Geneva (August 2017)

INEW Bulletin #21

Operating under Fire: The Effects of Explosive Weapons on Health Care in the East of Ukraine (May 2017)