In 2025, owing to the scale, duration and complexity of armed conflicts, and the changing character of warfare, weapon contamination was even more direly consequential and a major source of growing humanitarian concern. It also impeded humanitarian access and delayed humanitarian action and other recovery efforts. All this has made it more important than ever to protect civilians, reduce risks where possible and support those affected, in accordance with international humanitarian law (IHL).
In response, the ICRC continued to utilize a holistic approach to tackling the humanitarian consequences of weapon contamination and supporting survivors and others affected, including people with disabilities. Specifically, it helped communities live more safely in areas affected by active hostilities and explosive hazards and strengthened national capacities in tackling weapon contamination. It also carried out activities to improve and strengthen its physical rehabilitation programmes, particularly in conflict-affected areas where rehabilitative needs are great. It pursued a variety of activities that aimed to mitigate and prevent harm caused by weapon contamination, respond to its consequences and advocate systemic change.
This 2025 special report provides an overview of the ICRC’s work in this regard, and highlights our operational achievements in seven contexts where its presence is key: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Israel and the occupied territories, Lebanon, Myanmar, the Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine and Yemen. The report also discusses the ICRC’s efforts to promote relevant legal frameworks and governmental action in 2025.
