In parts of Syria, Yemen, Iraq, South Sudan and Afghanistan, more than 90% of the victims of explosive weapons used in populated areas are civilians. Building awareness and action around their campaign to abolish their use in areas where civilians are most at risk, Handicap International is organising a series of events across the country between 13 May and 10 June.  

As Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn explains, the campaign is vital ”because explosive weapons kill without distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants, between military and civilian, between adults and children. Because populated areas are by definition civilians and must be protected. Because even war has rules that must be observed and therefore international humanitarian law is not optional, but obligatory. Because I do not want to live in a world where innocent people are killed, often even in general indifference, when every one of us should be revolted! Finally, because we can not bequeath such a world to our children and grandchildren.“

Luxembourgers are asked to support the organisation’s viral campaigns and online petitions, with hashtags such as #ruin and #StopBombingCivilians. The organisation hopes to garner 1,000,000 signatures for its online appeals.

Support has already been secured from across Luxembourg’s social and political society, such as Frank Schroeder, Lydie Polfer, Andy Schleck, Mars di Bartolomeo, Marco Lorenzini, Bernard Baumgarten, Roberto Traversini, Eugénie Anselin, Nathalie Ronvaux. Explaining her support, the Grand Duchess said, "more than 90 civilians, including many children, are victims of explosive weapons every day. Urban areas have become battlefields. It's intolerable. Let us ban the use of these devices that kill and mutilate in populated areas!” 

Tagged “Are You In?”, Handicap International will be hosting information and mobilisation days in different cities across the country with video 360 °, exhibitions, quizzes, petitions, challenges and creative workshops. These will be in:   

13 May, Dudelange, Town Hall Square

27 May, Differdange, Marketplace

3 June, Luxembourg, Place d’Armes

10 June, Esch-sur-Alzette, Place de la Résistance 

For more information, see: www.ruin.lu