The conflict remains volatile with an intensified frontline in East Ukraine, the counter-offensive of Russian armed forces in Kursk region and a renewed global wave of attacks by the Russian Federation on populated areas and especially targeting energic infrastructures.
This combination is resulting in devastating consequences, as lives and livelihoods continue to be destroyed, and people are forced to flee their homes. The use of landmines, cluster munitions and the extensive use of explosive weapons in populated areas poses additional threats to civilians with lasting consequences. Moreover, the number of civilian casualties from aerial bombs has significantly increased compared with last year, with fatalities rising threefold and injuries increasing sixfold compared to Following two joint statements in , we are, once again, highlighting the significant incidents [2] that have occurred from October to December, demonstrating that the massive use of explosive weapons in populated areas continued to excessively claim civilian lives.
At least civilians were killed and injured in Ukraine in October. Among the casualties, nine children were killed and 49 injured [3]. Only in November, incidents of explosive weapon use that resulted in civilian casualties were reported in Ukraine, according to the Explosive Weapon Monitor and at least civilians were killed and injured.
Among the casualties, eight children were killed and 57 injured [10]. The incidents continue to trigger compounded multisectoral needs among the population β in shelter, health, rehabilitation, protection, mental health support and cash assistance. Additionally, it is causing lasting risks of injuries to the population, due to the tremendous number of explosive remnants of war littering the Ukrainian territory. We strongly denounce these assaults that inflict suffering on civilians and consistently disregard international humanitarian law IHL and international human rights law IHRL.
This includes breaches of the principles of distinction, proportionality, and feasible precautions, as well as the use of indiscriminate attacks and internationally banned weapons like landmines and cluster munitions.
