Protection of Civilians Week 2024

SIDE EVENT at the 2024 Protection of Civilians Week 2024

Date: 23 May 2024

Time: 8:30 – 10:00 EST / 14:30 – 16:00 CEST

Location: Permanent Mission of Ireland (NY) and online

The use of explosive weapons in populated areas is a leading cause of harm to civilians in armed conflict, with both immediate and long-term effects. 2023 saw unprecedented levels of harm from explosive weapons, resulting in high levels of civilian deaths and injuries, and hampering access to aid, education, healthcare, and essential services.

During PoC Week, a focused discussion will address humanitarian consequences of explosive weapons in populated areas, and how the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas can help to prevent and address these. 

Speakers

• H.E. Fergal Mythen, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations - Moderator

• Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the ICRC
  

•  Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, State Secretary of Norway
  

• Edem Wosornu, Director for Operations and Advocacy, OCHA
  

• Hamza al-Kateab, Doctor & Human Rights Activist, Action for Sama
  

• Camilla Molyneux, Researcher and Project Lead, International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW)

More information on the 2024 Protection of Civilians Week can be found here.