On 17 June 2022, Ireland concluded consultations on the final text of the ‘Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas’.

On 18th November 2022 a high-level international conference was held in Dublin, Ireland, bringing together the international community to formally adopt the Political Declaration.

The declaration marks the culmination of almost three years of consultations led by Ireland in Geneva, involving Member States, the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and civil-society organizations, including the International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW).

The declaration is the first formal international recognition of the devastating and long-lasting humanitarian impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

The Political Declaration can be found in all UN languages below.

Endorsement

The government of Ireland is the depositary of endorsements. To endorse States should send a Note Verbal to the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations [Geneva or New York] or to the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to inform of their decision to endorse the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences of Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA).

 States can also announce their endorsement by making a public announcement during formal conferences of the declaration, followed by a written endorsement issued to Ireland according to the above procedure. A template Note Verbal for endorsement can be found below.