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Explosive weapons: The horrific impact on civilians

The use of explosive weapons in populated areas is tragically commonplace in modern day conflicts such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Afghanistan. A shocking 92% of the casualties are civilians. Here are just some of the ways that bombing impacts civilians.

Abdel Rahman, 12, had his leg amputated after a shell exploded on his house. He is receiving care from an HI physiotherapist.

Abdel Rahman, 12, had his leg amputated after a shell exploded on his house. He is receiving care from an HI physiotherapist. | © William Daniels/HI

The use of explosive weapons in populated areas has a devastating impact on civilians:

Injuries graphic

Bombing kills people and causes serious injuries, resulting in long-term suffering.
In 2016, over 45,000 people were killed or injured by explosive weapons. 
The number of civilians killed has nearly doubled since 2011.
 

Trauma graphic

Bombing causes severe psychological trauma.

Fleeing home graphic

Bombing forces people to flee their homes.

Infrastructure graphic

Bombing destroys vital infrastructure like homes, schools, hospitals, and roads, preventing every aspect of social and economic life.

ERW graphic

Bombing pollutes entire areas with explosive remnants of war, making it dangerous for people to return home once a conflict has ended.

Stop Bombing Civilians

Urgent action is needed to protect children and families!
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