Statement on International Humanitarian Law to the Consultations on the Elements of a Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas

Thank you, Chairperson. The current draft text reiterates key provisions of international humanitarian law in several places and outlines measures to improve implementation. It should do more, however, to clarify how international humanitarian law applies in the context of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.  Paragraph 2.2 recognizes the importance of “fostering clarity” as well as “enhancing the implementation” of existing obligations under this body of law. But the paragraph only welcomes the initiatives of others, and the declaration as a whole does little itself to promote clarity…

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