Europe
General Situation
Even though Europe and its close vicinity have suffered relatively fewer armed conflicts since 1990 than Africa or Asia, the region has not been immune from fighting involving armed non-State actors (NSAs), notably in the Balkans and Turkey. Violations of international norms during conflicts in the region have included the laying of anti-personnel (AP) mines and other victim-activated explosive devices, sexual violence against women and girls, and the recruitment of children by NSAs.
Geneva Call has been working in Turkey since 2001 resulting in the Kurdistan People’s Congress (KONGRA-GEL)/People’s Defence Forces (HPG), also known as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), signing the Deed of Commitment banning AP mines in 2006.
In addition, Geneva Call is undertaking preliminary field assessments and consultations in the region with a view to expanding its advocacy work to the protection of women and children in armed conflict. |
