Statement to the Convention on Conventional Weapons Annual Meeting of High Contracting Parties
Thank you Mr. PresidentAhead of this meeting, Human Rights Watch released a 28-page report, Beyond Burning, detailing how incendiary weapons, including white phosphorus, have been used in four armed conflicts in the past year, endangering civilian lives and livelihoods:Since October 2023, the Israeli military has used airburst, ground-launched white phosphorus munitions in populated areas of Lebanon and Gaza.Syrian government forces continue to use ground-launched incendiary weapons in Syria.Ground-launched and air-dropped incendiary weapons continue to be used in Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine have also used drones to deliver incendiary munitions, including one type colloquially termed “dragon drone.”We urge states here to condemn the use of these cruel weapons that cause burn injuries and start fires. There is a need for us all to raise awareness about the physical, psychological, socioeconomic, and environmental harm caused by incendiary weapons.Our report charts the growing interest demonstrated by many countries last year in addressing the multiple humanitarian concerns raised by incendiary weapons. Indeed, there is work to be done as the effectiveness of CCW Protocol III has been limited by two loopholes that undermine its ability to protect civilians. First, the protocol’s definition excludes multipurpose munitions, notably white phosphorous, which are not “primarily designed” …read more
Source:: Human Rights Watch
