SMAC Participation in the International Conference on the Protection of Civilians from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA)
Representatives of the Serbian Mine Action Centre participated in the Second International Conference on the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA), held from 18 to 20 November 2025 in San José, Costa Rica.
The conference brought together representatives of states, international organisations and experts to discuss the consequences of the use of explosive weapons in urban environments and to strengthen civilian protection.
Participants exchanged experiences on the implementation of the Declaration, identified key challenges and discussed practical solutions to reduce risks to local communities.
The number of states endorsing the Declaration continues to grow and currently exceeds 90, contributing to the more consistent implementation of its principles. Honduras and Thailand endorsed the Declaration, while Mozambique announced during the conference that it would join them in the near future.
Representatives of the Centre participated in sessions dedicated to the clearance of explosive remnants of war, strengthening institutional capacities and enhancing cooperation between humanitarian organisations and endorsing states.
Particular attention was given to the introduction of practical measures in populated areas, where the use of explosive weapons in densely populated zones remains one of the leading causes of severe humanitarian consequences, disproportionately affecting civilian populations.
The EWIPA Political Declaration is an international political instrument aimed at strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law in situations of armed conflict.
The Republic of Serbia endorsed the Declaration on 18 November 2022 in Dublin, as one of the 83 states that adopted it on that occasion.
The Serbian Mine Action Centre serves as the national coordinating body for the implementation of the EWIPA Declaration.
Through its participation in the conference, the Centre reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international standards for civilian protection and improving responses to the risks posed by explosive weapons in contemporary armed conflicts.
