AOAV is a founding member of the International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW). We believe, as our data routinely shows, that the use of explosive weapons in populated areas causes severe harm to individuals and communities. This suffering can and should be reduced so that unnecessary deaths and injuries can be prevented. We call on States to cease the use of explosive weapons in towns and cities. This page examines victim’s rights and the provision – or lack of – victim assistance when civilians are faced with the horrors of armed violence.
This final plenary at NDM-UN28 highlighted how accurate and disaggregated casualty recording is essential to evidence-based, lifesaving, and rights-driven mine action responses.
Memorialisation processes in the aftermath of armed violence are essential for acknowledging victims' suffering, fostering peace, preventing future violence, and protecting historical truth from political manipulation
AOAV explores the need for and challenges of civilian casualty reporting in conflict, with a focus on the practices and progress of NATO member states.
In this review of Rory Carroll's Guardian article, we explore the ongoing impact of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, particularly the unresolved cases of the "disappeared."
"The Facemaker" by Lindsey Fitzharris chronicles the incredible work of Harold Gillies, a compassionate and skilled plastic surgeon who transformed the specialty during World War I and helped thousands of soldiers with facial disfigurements literally face the world again.
There have been over 700 attacks on Ukrainian health care infrastructure and personnel by Russian forces, with nearly one in ten Ukrainian hospitals damaged and 200 medical workers either killed, injured, kidnapped, or arrested during the war.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell reports that one year after the escalation of the war in Ukraine, children have been significantly impacted, with violence, fear, loss, and tragedy disrupting every aspect of their lives.
Government responses fall short as bladed weapons involved in sexual violence rise in past decade
Oxfam report accuses UK of arming Saudi-led coalition in Yemen despite evidence of IHL violations; CAAT lawsuit launched to end arms sales, temporary halt in 2019 overruled in 2020, leading to public criticism and questioning of trade deals vs human rights.
The use of banned weapons such as landmines and cluster munitions by Russia in the conflict in Ukraine poses a threat to civilians and impedes reconstruction efforts.
Tom Mutch and Elhan Afzali visit Sangin, which was at the epicentre of the Taliban-led insurgency, and discover the ongoing devastation of Afghan lives
An interview with Professor Susan Breau - an expert on the legal obligations of States to record casualties in conflict