Light Between Mountains
© Emily GarthwaiteOngoing series [2019-Present]
Article 36 is a specialist non-profit organisation focused on reducing civilian and environmental harm from weapons. They mitigates the impacts of armed conflict as well as developing new policies and legal standards to prevent civilian harm from existing and emerging weapons globally. They highlight personal stories recorded in Iraq that show what the impact of shelling/airstrikes and land mines have had on Iraqis and Syrians in the Kurdistan region, and why it is important their stories are told. Article 36 who internationally wish to protect civilians from the use of explosive weapons in populated area.
Anti-personnel landmines were prohibited under the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, but over eight million landmines still lie active in Iraq. Article 36 partnered with Mines Advisory Group in Kurdistan Region of Iraq to study the impact of airstrikes, cluster munitions, land mines, unexploded ordnance and toxic remnants of war [uranium weapons, chemical agents, dumped fuel and explosives]. Article 36 believe that in the absence of a common international standard for minimising harm and dealing with the environmental legacy of armed conflict, persistent environmental problems will continue to be created, and with them, long-term threats to the health and livelihoods of civilians.
The United Nations Security Council periodically holds an open debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, and the UN Secretary-General issues a report on the protection of civilians every year. To find out more, please visit their website: article36.org
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