This report examines collaborative advocacy efforts to protect civilians—especially children—from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas during armed conflict.
It focuses on two key agendas:
- limiting the use of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA) and
- addressing grave violations against children in armed conflict (CAAC).
The report highlights the importance of multilateral approaches, involving diverse stakeholders such as civil society, the United Nations, international organizations, and member states, to develop and uphold protective norms. Effective advocacy is shown to rely on strong evidence, strategic framing, persistent engagement, and the inclusion of affected states and communities, particularly from the Global South. The report identifies challenges such as political resistance, limited engagement of affected actors, and the politicization of mechanisms meant to protect children.
It concludes that building broad coalitions, maintaining momentum, and adapting strategies to evolving geopolitical dynamics are essential for successful advocacy to strengthen civilian protection in contemporary conflicts.
