WILPF statement on Section 4 of the second revised draft political declaration on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas

WILPF supports the comments on this revised text made by the International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW), of which WILPF is a member.

As an organisation, WILPF has a few points to raise or amplify:

4.1 should urge international cooperation and assistance among all relevant stakeholders to exchange information and experiences in enhancing the protection of civilians, ending the use of EWIPA, and preventing armed conflict.

In 4.2:

• The reference to “where feasible and appropriate” should be removed in relation to collecting and sharing data.
• Data collection on civilian harm should be disaggregated by sex and gender, age, and disability.
• Data collection should also include recording of destruction and damage to civilian objects or infrastructure.
• As noted earlier, commitments on data collection in the declaration should call for collection of data on the types, locations, and effects of weapon(s) used, to better track which weapon systems are causing harm. This could be included in 4.2 or 4.2bis.

4.4 is much improved. It could be further strengthened by articulating what victim assistance includes, such as ensuring basic needs are met, and safe and timely access to the provision of emergency medical care, physical rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and socioeconomic inclusion, as well as support towards the full realisation of the rights and full participation of victims in societies.”

A further commitment in relation to humanitarian aid could be added in a 4.4bis, regarding the provision and facilitation of safe, rapid, and unimpeded access for gender-sensitive humanitarian relief in line with international norms and standards for providing principled and inclusive humanitarian assistance, based on the assessed needs of those affected. Such assistance should recognise and prioritise the involvement and leadership of women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and others in marginalised positions, in decision- making at all levels around the planning, delivery, and other management of humanitarian assistance.