The Human Cost of Explosive Weapons in Cities

The indiscriminate use of explosive weapons – including aerial bombs, rockets, missiles, and artillery – in densely populated areas results in a catastrophic loss of civilian life, widespread injury, and long-term trauma. Beyond the immediate casualties, these weapons obliterate vital infrastructure, disrupt essential services like healthcare and education, and trigger mass displacement, creating humanitarian crises of immense scale.

A recent report, “Strengthening Civilian Protection: Principles for Implementing the Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas,” details seven guiding principles designed to translate political commitments into tangible action. The report, a collaborative effort between Human Rights Watch and the Harvard Law School’s International Human Rights Clinic, emphasizes the critical need for governments to move beyond rhetoric and adopt concrete measures to protect those most vulnerable in armed conflict.

“Countries at war that employ explosive weapons in populated areas inflict immense suffering on civilians, dismantling communities and hindering access to basic necessities,” stated Bonnie Docherty, senior arms adviser at Human Rights Watch and lead author of the report. “The documented devastation in conflict zones underscores the urgency of implementing existing commitments to shield civilians from this destructive form of warfare.”

The Dublin Declaration: A Framework for Change

Adopted in Dublin in 2022, the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas represents a significant, albeit non-binding, international effort to address this critical issue. The declaration calls on endorsing nations to “restrict or refrain from” the use of explosive weapons in urban settings and to provide assistance to victims of harm.

The second international conference on the declaration, scheduled to take place in San José, Costa Rica, from November 18 to 20, 2025, will serve as a crucial platform to encourage wider endorsement, review implementation progress, and chart a course for future action. This gathering presents an opportunity for governments to demonstrate their commitment to protecting civilians and to forge a path towards more responsible conduct in armed conflict.

Seven Principles for Effective Implementation

Human Rights Watch and the Harvard Human Rights Clinic advocate for the adoption of seven key principles to ensure the effective implementation of the Dublin Declaration:

1. Comprehensive Humanitarian Assessment: Thoroughly address the full range of humanitarian consequences resulting from the use of explosive weapons.
2. Progressive Civilian Protection Standards: Develop standards that exceed existing international humanitarian law.
3. Collaborative Partnerships: Foster collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations and local communities.
4. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Base all decisions on relevant and reliable data regarding the use and effects of explosive weapons.
5. Transparency and Accountability: Ensure transparency in implementation efforts and establish mechanisms for accountability.
6. National Integration: Incorporate commitments into national laws and policies.
7. Global Promotion: Actively promote the declaration and its norms beyond endorsing countries.

These principles are universally applicable, regardless of a country’s political structure or military capacity. By embracing these guidelines, governments can significantly enhance civilian protection and mitigate the devastating consequences of urban warfare.

Did You Know?:

What role should international organizations play in enforcing these principles, and how can they ensure accountability for violations? Furthermore, how can technology be leveraged to improve civilian protection in conflict zones?

Frequently Asked Questions About Explosive Weapons and Civilian Protection

Further Information

• Human Rights Watch
• Harvard Law School
• International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW)
• Fundación para la paz y la democracia (FUNPADEM)
• Seguridad Humana en América Latina y el Caribe (SEHLAC)
• United Nations – Explosive Weapons