UN, ICRC Call For Global Support To Protect Civilians From Explosive Weapons

NEW YORK/GENEVA, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The heads of three United Nations (UN) entities and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has urged States to support a new political declaration to protect civilians from explosive weapons in populated areas. They are the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric. They 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," said a joint statement of UN-ICRC made available to Bernama. The statement said the new declaration represents a major collective milestone in protecting civilians from the increasing urbanisation of armed conflict, sending a strong signal worldwide that 'harming civilians and damaging cities is not a reality we should accept'. The declaration will be launched at an endorsement conference in Dublin, Ireland, on November 18 2022, after three years of consultations. In the last decade, the momentum for a political declaration has increased markedly, including through regional initiatives and civil society advocacy. Nakamitsu will represent the UN at the signing ceremony and deliver a message on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to mark the milestone occasion. Spoljaric will represent the ICRC. The signing ceremony will be webcast live on the YouTube channel of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs at https://www.youtube.com/c/irishforeignministry. -- BERNAMA