Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas

The use of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA) is a major cause of civilian harm in armed conflicts worldwide. In addition to their devastating direct effects, the impacts of the use of explosive weapons reverberate for a long time after a conflict has ended, causing severe and long-lasting harm to people and communities.

The Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA Political Declaration), endorsed by over 80 States, provides a crucial framework for action and collaboration in preventing and mitigating these harms and strengthening the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

Ahead of the 79^th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) First Committee in October 2024, UNIDIR and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) has organizd a series of online regional briefings to raise awareness of the EWIPA Political Declaration and promote exchanges of regional experiences and approaches.

The briefings aim to help inform discussions among Member States in relevant regional and international meetings. Furthermore, the briefings will contribute to preparations towards the second international follow-up Conference of the Declaration, to be held in San José, Costa Rica, in 2025.

When and Where

Times and days vary for different regional groups, please see below to identify your regional group.

Please register for each regional briefing. The links to each of the events will be shared with registered participants.

Visit UNIDR for more information.