Civilians are the main victims in most conflicts
In 2023, harm to civilians caused by the use of explosive weapons took place in at least 75 countries and territories around the world. Let’s take action!
In 2023, civilians in at least 75 countries were affected by the use of explosive weapons, which disrupted access to healthcare, education and humanitarian aid. Twenty-eight of these countries have signed the political declaration. Nine countries, including Lebanon, Myanmar, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen, suffered serious impacts, including loss of life and damage to essential infrastructure.
Context
The political declaration on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas was endorsed by 86 countries, including 83 in Dublin in November 2022, followed by Jordan, Montenegro and North Macedonia. On 25 July 2024, Lithuania withdrew from the agreement signed in 2008, making it the first country to withdraw from the Convention since it was adopted in Dublin. This decision sets a harmful precedent for the Convention, and for international humanitarian law more generally. It is a major setback in the global fight against cluster munitions.
As a signatory to this declaration, Luxembourg has committed to:
- Cease the use of the most destructive weapons in urban areas.
- Change and share its military practices.
- Call on allies to join the declaration.
- Provide long-term assistance to victims.
Despite this commitment, attacks continue to increase, highlighting the urgent need to take action and honour the commitments that have been made.
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Everything was completely destroyed… there was nothing but ruins, smoke and rocks. When the war started, my only mission in life was to protect my children. I wish I’d been with them when the house was hit. My body survived, but my soul died with my children, crushed under the rubble with them.
Ahmad Nasman, Rafah, Gaza
»
As a citizen, you can support Luxembourg’s commitment by signing the petition to promote the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
We, the signatories of this petition, call on the Luxembourg government to:
Strengthen its commitment by rapidly implementing the Dublin Political Declaration, adopted in 2022, which aims to limit the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and to protect civilians.
Strongly condemn Lithuania’s withdrawal from this critical agreement, and put pressure on Lithuania and other countries to participate or return to participating in international discussions in support of this fundamental fight.
Actively promote the Dublin Declaration among countries that have not yet signed the agreement, particularly in regions where membership is low, so as to create a global consensus against the use of explosive weapons in urban areas.
Step up efforts to raise awareness and support victims, ensuring that the commitments made are not only respected, but also strengthened, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts.
Take part in the 2024 Solidarity Pyramid!
Join us on 11 and 12 October at Place d’Armes to learn more about protecting civilians and to take part in workshops, lectures and artistic performances. Let’s work together to put an end to the barbaric use of explosive weapons in populated areas.
Register for the Youth and Business Day on 11 October.
Add this event to your calendar
