The quandary of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) is not new. It has been a byproduct of every warfare and has a severe impact on the civilian society. Stepping on a landmine can have a shattering effect on individuals. Although war ends, its repercussions are great and take a toll on the human beings either with or without their knowledge. Women are also often heavily affected by ERW either directly or indirectly. Though the Law of Armed Conflict specifies the legal obligation of the parties to the conflict, through various Conventions, Protocols and Resolutions, in reality the parties to the conflict totally fail to observe these obligations when seriously involved in their tasks. Many civilians are affected due to their ignornce of ERW. Hence, Mine Action Programs and Development Programs have already been undertaken and implemented by the United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross by educating civilians, including women, to know the effect of ERW and involve them in the reconstruction process.

War is a monosyllable, but leads to disastrous consequences in terms of social, economic and political costs to the society. In general, war is the extent of expression of disagreement or conflict and sometimes a forcible measure of dispute settlement. It may be international or internal, but in both the cases, it disturbs the normal life of the civilians and creates havoc in the society. It affects both men and women, but women bear the brunt of war. After the World War II, the international community focused its attention on controlling the usage of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and also gave importance to the protection of civilians during wars.

Due to the efforts of the international community, finally the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and its Additional Protocols of 1977 were adopted and imposed more pressure on the High Contracting Parties regarding the welfare of the civilians. Moreover, Additional Protocol I directed that parties to the conflict to choose methods or means of warfare that are limited1 and strictly prohibited the use of weapons and other substances which cause redundant injury and widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment.2 Further, it is specified that a High Contracting Party is under an obligation to find out whether the use of weapons is prohibited by the protocol or by any other provisions of the international law.3 Even though, International Humanitarian Law (IHL) does not totally prohibit warfare, it specifies the means and methods of warfare to protect civilians and the civilian objects.

Law Review Journal, Effect of Explosive Remnants, War on Women’s Life, ERW, Mine Action Programs, Development Programs.