This briefing paper provides an overview of the steps taken by states to operationalise the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. This paper is structured to provide:
- Reflections on the state of national implementation of the Political Declaration;
- A thematic overview of national efforts in core areas of implementation; and
- Recommendations for strengthening implementation of the Declaration’s commitments.
Information is drawn primarily from responses to the Explosive Weapons Monitor’s 2025 implementation survey, which gathers information directly from endorsing states on their national implementation efforts since the Declaration opened for endorsement in November 2022. This includes responses from 32 states, more than one-third of all 89 states that had endorsed the Declaration when the survey was disseminated. It also incorporates some information shared by states through other sources, such as presentations and interventions at workshops and meetings related to the Declaration’s implementation.