Saving Lives in Conflicts: Risk Education and Conflict Preparedness to Protect Civilians in EWIPA contexts

The use of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA) in contemporary armed conflicts results in devastating and widespread civilian harm and humanitarian consequences. In November 2022, 83 States (87 to date) endorsed the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA). Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion (HI), member of the International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW), is currently facilitating a multi-stakeholder process to produce guidance and recommendations for the implementation of the commitments related to humanitarian access, cooperation, and victim assistance set out in the Political Declaration.

A first online workshop on Enhancing principled and safe humanitarian access in EWIPA settings was held in May 2024 (report available here). A second in-person workshop on Strengthening Access to Healthcare took place in November 2024 (report available here).

The third workshop of the multi-stakeholder process, will be held in person in Brussels on 11 and 12 June 2025 on Conflict Protection and Preparedness (CPP) and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education in EWIPA settings. This in-person workshop will explore the main challenges and gaps in EORE and CPP provision, while building on good practices to co-develop key priority recommendations to strengthen the understanding and practice of these life-saving interventions. It will bring together representatives from diverse backgrounds, organisations and sectors including the UN, international and national NGOs, the ICRC, National Mine Action Authorities, States, and donors. Insights from case studies in Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Ukraine will guide discussions on strengthening national and local capacities, ensuring more inclusive participation, and enhancing the effectiveness of CPP and EORE efforts to improve the protection of civilians in EWIPA settings. One of the objective of this workshop will be to identify and formulate concrete recommendations for the implementation of the commitments of the political declaration, in particular on EORE and CPP. 

The agenda and more information will be shared with registered participants soon. HI would be potentially able to contribute to travel expenses if needed. For any queries please indicate this in the registration form.