Destroying Cultural Heritage
Explosive Weapons’ Effects in Armed Conflict and Measures to Strengthen Protection
Many urgent arms-related challenges should be addressed to protect civilians affected by conflict and its deadly legacy. Antipersonnel landmines and cluster munitions have been prohibited outright, but the ban treaties need to be universalized and complied with fully. Militaries use a wide-range of explosive weapons—artillery, rockets, mortars, air-delivered bombs and more—in populated areas, frequently causing indiscriminate harm to civilians. Incendiary weapons cause painful and cruel injuries, yet they continue to be used. The development of fully autonomous weapons—“killer robots”—that could select and engage targets without human intervention need to be stopped to prevent a future of warfare and policing outside of human control and responsibility. The Arms Division of Human Rights Watch works to advance humanitarian disarmament and enhance protections for civilians from various weapons that inflict unnecessary harm. We document the negative impact of weapons and promote the establishment and implementation of international treaties and legal norms.
May 2, 2024
April 18, 2024
Explosive Weapons’ Effects in Armed Conflict and Measures to Strengthen Protection
Governments Should Suspend Arms to Israel, Support ICC Probe
Impartially Investigate Military’s Air Attacks; Compensate Victims, Families
Evidence Points to Misfired Rocket but Full Investigation Needed
Delivered by Bonnie Docherty, Senior Arms Adviser
Governments Should Suspend Arms to Israel, Support ICC Probe
Explosive Weapon Kills 12, Including 5 Children in Ukrainian City
Cross-Border Counter-Smuggling Operations Kill Syrians
Youth Workshop Explores How Countries Can Reduce and Remedy Harm
February 2024
War Crimes Inquiry Needed into Massive Loss of Civilian Life, Infrastructure