INEW ~ SIDE EVENT: PoC Week, Protecting Civilians from Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas

The use of explosive weapons in populated areas is a leading cause of harm to civilians in armed conflict, with both immediate and long-term effects on civilians. 2023 saw unprecedented levels of harm from explosive weapons, resulting in high levels of civilian deaths and injuries, and hampering access to aid, education, healthcare, and services essential for people’s survival.

During the Protection of Civilians’ week, a focussed discussion will be convened on the humanitarian consequences of explosive weapon use in populated areas, and how The Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas can help to prevent and address these. Speakers include:

Amb. Fergal Mythen (Moderator)

Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations

H.E. Merete Fjeld Brattested
Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations

Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger
President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Ms. Edem Wosornu
Director for Operations and Advocacy, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Dr Hamza al-Kateab

Doctor, Human Rights Activist, Action for Sama

Ms. Camilla Molyneux
Representative for the International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW)