HRW calls on countries to sign political commitment to protect civilians from bombing and shelling in urban areas

On 3 March, Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on countries to endorse the Political Declaration on the Protection of Civilians aimed at protecting civilians from the bombing and shelling of cities and towns during wartime. The statement follows a regional meeting on this concern held in Johannesburg, South Africa on February 27-28, 2025.

Airstrikes and artillery bombardments of urban areas are a regular occurrence in Myanmar. These actions have killed and injured hundreds of civilians since the 2021 coup.

The text of the HRW statement continues below.