Expert meeting on addressing the use of explosive weapons in populated areas by armed non-state actors 19 November 2018 (Summary Report)

Strengthening the protection of civilians from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA) is a major concern for the United Nations (UN), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), civil society and a growing number of Member States. The UN Secretary-General has repeatedly called on all State and non-State parties to conflict to avoid the use in populated areas of explosive weapons with wide area effects.1 While their use in populated areas may be lawful in some circumstances, empirical evidence reveals a predictable and widespread pattern of civilian harm. This includes death, injury, psychological trauma, displacement, and damage to or destruction of essential infrastructure on which civilians depend. The use of EWIPA can impede the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. It also presents a major challenge to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

To date, expert and inter-governmental discussions on addressing the humanitarian impact of EWIPA have tended to focus on the use of EWIPA by State armed forces. It is expected that this will be the principal focus of any future political declaration. Less attention has been paid to the use of EWIPA by armed non-State actors (ANSAs). Yet, such use—and how to avoid or at least limit it—must be considered in order to ensure more effective and comprehensive protection of civilians.

As an initial step towards addressing the use of EWIPA by ANSAs, including through the possible development of a comprehensive and coherent strategy for engagement on this issue, OCHA and Geneva Call convened an expert discussion in Geneva aimed at deepening the understanding of such use and options for engaging ANSAs in order to avoid or limit their use of EWIPA. In addition to OCHA and Geneva Call, the meeting participants included representatives of Austria, Chile, Colombia, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), ICRC, Action on Armed Violence, Article 36, Humanicemos DH, Humanity and Inclusion, Human Rights Watch, and the Syrian Democratic Forces. The meeting was conducted under the Chatham House rule.