Since its foundation in 2003, ICBUW is engaged in preventing environmental destruction in war through the use of one of the most destructive toxic conventional weapons – depleted uranium (DU) ammunition. UN General Assembly resolutions on the issue (such as A/RES/79/49) underline the potential harmful effects of the use of such weaponry on human health and the environment. In line with General Assembly resolutions on the “Observance of environmental norms in the drafting and implementation of agreements on disarmament and arms control” ICBUW has presented a “Draft Convention on the prohibition of development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use of uranium weapons and on their destruction” [link].

ICBUW has declared November, 6, as its International Action Day marked every year by a series of special events with a focus on film screenings (together with the International Uranium Film Festival) linked to panel discussions – to reach out to the greater public. Despite constant geopolitical turbulences, ongoing wars as in Ukraine, and growing ignorance about and even contempt for international law and humanitarian disarmament agreements, ICBUW continues its work based on moral and legal arguments as summarized in a Global Action Call [link]. Arguments can be drawn from International Humanitarian Law and Environmental Law (such as the precautionary principle) as well as Human Rights Law (such as the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment spelled out in the 2025 ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change).

The 2022 Draft Principles on protection of the environment in relation to armed conflict adopted by the International Law Commission also are of great relevance and importance here, especially no. 26 on “toxic and hazardous remnants of war”. Finally, there is emerging national jurisprudence (e.g. in Italy and in Serbia) in favour of DU victims while use can also be made of special procedures under the UN Human rights protection scheme.

ICBUW will continue and strengthen its efforts in the spirit of the UN Day being part of an expanding and increasingly efficient network of civil society organizations and activities – directed at ending wars and environmental devastation, at remediation and help for victims.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-in-war-protection-day