Top United Nations, International Committee of Red Cross Leaders Urge Stepped-Up Global Support to Protect Civilians from Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas

NEW YORK/GENEVA, 14 November (Office for Disarmament Affairs) – The heads of three United Nations entities and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) today urged States to support a new political declaration to protect civilians from explosive weapons in populated areas.

Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs; Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; Catherine Russell, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director; and Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are jointly appealing to States to support the declaration on “Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas”.

In conflicts around the world, civilians continue to endure the devastating consequences of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. When used in cities, towns and villages, these weapons often have effects well beyond their targets. They claim countless lives and limbs, cause widespread destruction and deprive people from essential civilian services, such as water and sanitation, electricity, health care and education.