MAPW is a member of the global coalition, the International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW). We work with INEW to advance mechanisms to protect civilians from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, such as the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.
INEW’s latest Explosive Weapons Monitor shows the urgent need to make progress on the use of explosive weapons.
Key points include:
Harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure from the use of explosive weapons occurred in at least 74 countries and territories around the world in 2024. Civilians in 11 countries and territories were heavily impacted by the use of explosive weapons – Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen.
Civilian deaths caused by the use of explosive weapons remained alarmingly high in Palestine and increased elsewhere across the globe in 2024. Civilian fatalities from explosive weapons in Palestine represented almost two-thirds of all those reported across the globe in 2024, remaining persistently high following a year of unprecedented civilian death and injury in 2023. In the rest of the world, civilian fatalities from explosive weapons rose by more than half compared to the previous year, with notable increases in Lebanon, Myanmar, Syria and Ukraine.
The use of explosive weapons in attacks on healthcare increased by 64 percent in 2024. At least 1,857 incidents in which explosive weapons damaged or destroyed health facilities and ambulances or killed health workers were recorded in 26 countries and territories by Insecurity Insight in 2024. About 90 percent of all incidents were recorded in four countries – Lebanon, Myanmar, Palestine and Ukraine.
The use of explosive weapons in attacks on education more than doubled in 2024. At least 861 incidents in which explosive weapons damaged or destroyed education facilities or killed teachers or students were recorded in 22 countries and territories by Insecurity Insight in 2024. The highest numbers of incidents were recorded in Ukraine, Palestine and Myanmar.
The use of explosive weapons in attacks on humanitarian aid occurred nearly five times more frequently in 2024. At least 1,631 incidents of explosive weapons use affecting humanitarian aid operations, aid workers and camps were recorded by Insecurity Insight in 16 countries and territories 2024. About 90 percent of all incidents were recorded in Palestine.
Read the full report: click here.