States must place national bans and restrictions on use of explosive weapons in populated areas to reduce harm to civilians - Oslo, 22 April 2024 –

"The Declaration is an important statement of intent, but it is vital that signatories now go on to implement necessary prohibitions and restrictions on the use of explosive weapons in cities, towns and populated areas due to the high risk of harm to civilians" says Laura Boillot, coordinator for the International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW). [...] www.explosiveweaponsmonitor.org | @weaponsmonitor What is the International Review Conference taking place in Oslo on 23 April 2024? • The conference on 23 April will review progress on implementation of the Political Declaration on the Protection of Civilians from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (See full text: “Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians fr. [...] The Political Declaration is the first formal international recognition that the direct and indirect effects of this method of war must be addressed urgently, and implementation of the Political Declaration is key to seeing change. [...] • INEW calls on all states to endorse and implement the Political Declaration to reduce civilian harm and strengthen the protection of civilians, by banning and imposing limits on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, and by assisting victims and affected communities during and after conflict. [...] This event will bring together states, international organisations and civil society ahead of the conference to ensure that the implementation of the political declaration is just the beginning of a long-term, committed and effective process of work.