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Bombing of a camp for the internally displaced

The aerial bombardment of a camp for internally displaced Syrians in Sarmada, near the Turkish border, caused at least 28 deaths and left more than 50 individuals wounded on Thursday, May 5.

© P. HOULIAT / HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

Handicap International condemns this military operation and notes that indiscriminate or deliberate attacks against civilians constitute violations of international humanitarian law.  Explosive weapons are used in a massive way in populated areas of Syria with an appalling impact on civilians, who are the principal victims. The international community must act to end this practice, which causes heavy casualties on civilians, including in other conflict zones such as Yemen, Ukraine and Afghanistan.

When used in populated areas, explosive weapons kill, and create suffering and grave injuries (burns, open wounds, and fractures, for example).  They cause disabilities and significant psychological trauma.  They destroy homes and essential civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, while creating forced displacement of the resident population.

The remains of explosive weapons that persist in impacted zones create a permanent threat to civilians long after the conflict has ended, making it impossible to remain living there or to return to these extremely dangerous places after an attack or the end of a conflict.

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Statement: Ukraine announces withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty
© O.Marikutsa / HI
Explosive weapons Rights

Statement: Ukraine announces withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty

On June 29, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree announcing Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines. Ukraine, which ratified the Convention in 2005, becomes the sixth state to withdraw or declare its intention to withdraw, following Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. 

In the DRC, Vanessa, a physiotherapist, helps malnourished children
© E. N’Sapu / HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

In the DRC, Vanessa, a physiotherapist, helps malnourished children

Vanessa, 26, is a physiotherapist specialising in stimulation therapy for malnourished children. She works at HI with displaced people in North Kivu, DRC.

No to the return of antipersonnel landmines
© V. Vanniasingam / HI
Explosive weapons

No to the return of antipersonnel landmines

States parties to the Ottawa Treaty meeting ended in Geneva. It was the 1st time they were gathering since 5 members of the treaty announced their withdrawal. States failed to defend the Treaty.