Say no to the bombing of civilians

Last Tuesday, around twenty States took part in a meeting of a group of experts, set up a year ago by Austria in order to draw up a political statement against the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

This group is expanding, a positive sign which shows that a growing number of States recognize the problem posed by the bombing civilians and support the intention to mobilize the international community on this subject. The impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas is devastating. In 2015, 92% of the victims of explosive weapons used in cities and villages were civilians. The city of Aleppo in Syria, which has been subjected to particularly intense bombing raids over the last two weeks, demonstrates the horror experienced by civilians. 

Handicap International brought to the table its expertise in the serious injuries caused by the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and in the needs of victims. The organization defended its position that in their political statement States should make a public commitment to ending this practice, acknowledge the suffering of the affected populations, and make a commitment to assisting the victims.

As conflicts multiply and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas during these conflicts becomes almost systematic, finding political solutions is an urgent priority.