In the midst of conflict-ridden urban landscapes, families are often forced to flee their homes with little warning, hastily deciding which possessions to take, uncertain of when they'll be able to return. The anguish is compounded by the frantic realization that loved ones, like children still at school, may be left behind, while fear and terror grip entire communities, leaving streets once bustling with life now deserted and livelihoods in ruins.

The pervasive use of explosive weapons in populated areas, ranging from large aircraft bombs to improvised explosive devices, poses a grave threat to civilians, subjecting them to the constant risk of death and injury amid the chaos of war.

The recent Political Declaration represents a landmark step towards bolstering the protection of civilians in the face of escalating violence in urban settings. Acknowledging the severity of the issue for the first time, it commits signatories to curbing the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, signaling a necessary shift in the conduct of warfare within cities and towns.

Crucially, the Declaration reaffirms fundamental obligations under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and underscores the imperative for broader compliance. Endorsing states are called upon to enhance national policies and military practices on the ground, including measures to restrict or refrain from using explosive weapons in populated areas, thereby minimizing civilian harm.

With humanitarian crises mounting and civilian casualties escalating, the call for action on explosive weapons in populated areas has never been more urgent. The choice is stark: stand by passively as communities are ravaged by violence, or take decisive action to address the crisis head-on. The time for mere rhetoric has passed; now is the moment for resolute and meaningful intervention.

Reference: Humanitarian Law & Policy