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Declaration Negotiations

Consultations to develop a political declaration to address the humanitarian harm arising from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas
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© Streets of Gaza during Israel’s bombing, May 2021 © NPA Palestine/Mohammed Zaanoun.

Harm

The use of explosive weapons in populated areas causes broad, substantial and ongoing harm.
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Destruction in Gaza, 27 July 2014 during a brief 12 cessation of hostilities, families returned to Shujaiya in eastern Gaza, scene of some of the heaviest Israeli bombing. ©Iyad al Baba/Oxfam

Political response

INEW calls for immediate action to prevent human suffering from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas
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©AP Photo/Felipe Dana

Resources

New resources from INEW on the newly agreed Political Declaration
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Events

INEW organises, hosts and participates in a range of meetings, conferences and other events related to explosive weapons use
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Welcome to INEW

The International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW) is an NGO partnership calling for immediate action to prevent human suffering from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

Explosive weapons include improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as well as explosive ordnance such as mortars, rockets, artillery shells and aircraft bombs.  These weapons use blast and fragmentation to kill and injure people in the area around the point of detonation. When used in public places, this area-effect means that innocent people are often severely affected.  Data indicate that between 80 and 90% of those killed and injured are civilians; still more are affected when there is damage to vital infrastructure (such as schools, hospitals, housing and water and sanitation systems).

INEW believes that this suffering can be reduced and unnecessary deaths and injuries prevented.  We are calling on states and other actors to face up to this problem as a policy challenge, to meet the needs of victims and survivors, to review their national practices and to come together to develop stronger international standards to curb this pattern of violence.  INEW members undertake research and advocacy to promote greater understanding of the problem and the concrete steps that can be taken to address it.

Latest news

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UN Secretary-General issues latest protection of civilians report, reiterates concern over explosive weapon use in populated areas, calls on states to join the political declaration “without delay”

May 19, 2023

The UN Secretary-General’s (UNSG) annual report to the UN Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict was Read More

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PRESS RELEASE: Dying under bombs and shells: New report finds escalation in armed conflicts worldwide causes over 80 percent surge in civilian casualties from explosive weapons

April 24, 2023

The number of civilians killed or injured by bombing and shelling in urban areas globally soared by 83 percent in Read More

Recent Event See all calendar

SIDE EVENT: Reducing harm from explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA): Data collection as a basis for effective harm reduction

April 20, 2023

‘Reducing harm from explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA): Data collection as a basis for effective harm reduction’ will take Read More

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REPORT LAUNCH: Explosive Weapons Monitor: Documenting Two Years of Global Harm to Civilians from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (2021-2022)

April 20, 2023

The Explosive Weapons Monitor will launch its new report ‘Two Years of Global Harm to Civilians from the Use of Read More

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Ukraine – A year of civilian suffering from bombing and shelling in towns and cities

February 24, 2023

24 February 2023 – When the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the International Network on explosive Weapons Read More

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Statement by Nujeen Mustafa at the Dublin Conference to adopt the political declaration

December 12, 2022

Statement delivered by disability rights advocate Nujeen Mustafa at the Dublin Conference to adopt the political declaration on explosive weapons on 18 November 2022.

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Dublin Conference to Adopt the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons

November 18, 2022

  19 November 2022 – Today in Dublin 82 countries officially endorsed the Political Declaration on the Protection of Civilians from Read More

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Statement by the International Network on Explosive Weapons at the Dublin Conference to adopt the political declaration

November 18, 2022

INEW statement delivered by Laura Boillot at the Dublin Conference to adopt the political declaration on explosive weapons on 18 Read More

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Global Civil Society Forum in Dublin maps out how to limit suffering caused by explosive weapons in populated areas

November 17, 2022

On Thursday 17 November, survivors of armed conflict, activists, and civil society organizations, alongside representatives of governments, UN agencies, and Read More

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PRESS RELEASE: States set to adopt first ever international agreement to protect civilians from explosive weapons in populated areas

November 16, 2022

Over 70 states are expected to sign on to the first international explosive weapons declaration to protect civilians in populated Read More

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Power of the Pen: Calls for States to Endorse the Political Declaration in Dublin

November 11, 2022

 Do you know the Power of The Pen? INEW and its partners call on States to endorse the international Read More

Global Civil Society Forum on Protecting Civilians from Explosive Weapons

On 17 November, the eve of the signing conference for the “Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas”, INEW and Dóchas (the Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations) will co-host a Civil Society Forum.

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International Parliamentary Appeal

About the Appeal Parliamentarians have a vital role to play in enhancing the protection of civilians in armed conflict and Read More

Visit the Parliamentary Appeal page

Acknowledgement of harm

A growing number of states have acknowledged the issue of harm in their national statements to international forums. Read more.

Media centre

Information and resources for journalists and media representatives 

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