Sierra Leone was not actively involved in the process to develop a Political Declaration on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. It was, however, among the first group of states to endorse the Political Declaration in Dublin in November 2022. In Dublin, Sierra Leone said that it is a living example of first-hand experience of the impact of EWIPA. It said that the declaration is the beginning of a long-term commitment and effective process to develop stronger standards and change in the use of explosive weapons. Sierra Leone also said that an assistance program would help states to move swiftly to make these changes.1
Statements and positions
During the UN General Assembly First Committee in 2023, Sierra Leone said that “the use of explosive weapons in populated areas poses complex challenges and a grave danger for the protection of civilians.”2