2014 delivered increased turmoil resulting in civilian harm, especially in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. From nowhere, a new war began in the east of Ukraine across the border from Russia in which both sides have used explosive weapons in populated areas, including banned cluster munitions as well as Grad rockets, causing hundreds of civilian casualties and creating thousands of displaced persons. The Islamic State emerged to take control of northern Iraq and Syria, leaving weapons including booby traps and improvised explosive devices in its wake. Civilians in the Central African Republic continued to experience armed violence while “under-reported” conflicts saw prolonged civilian suffering.

In short, the world lurched from a very bad situation to an even worse one with increased civilian carnage and an overall inadequate diplomatic response at the United Nations (UN). But this year also saw bright moments of productivity for the community of likeminded governments, UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) pursuing humanitarian disarmament. Continue reading A turmultuous yet productive year