This week, states, international organisations and civil society groups are meeting in Geneva to negotiate an international political declaration to better protect civilians from the use of explosive weapons. Worldwide, 9 out of 10 casualties are civilians when these weapons are used in towns and cities.
In the longer term, the use of heavy explosive weapons in populated areas also has a devastating impact on civilians. The use of these weapons significantly increases the likelihood that homes, schools, hospitals, roads, water infrastructure, electricity and communication networks will be damages. Just last week, PAX issued the publication Impact on healthcare from bombing and shelling in Ukraine on the damage to hospitals and pharmacies in Ukraine since the Russian invasion.
On behalf of PAX, Roos Boer is present in Geneva during the negotiations, and calls on states to agree to a strong political declaration that will effectively protect citizens against the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.
Read the press release of the International Network on Explosive Weapons, of which PAX is co-founder and board member.