Cluster Munition Coalition

2013-05-15

Iraq signing the Convention on Cluster Munitions on 12 November 2009

The Republic of Iraq has ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions, after depositing its instrument of ratification on 14 May.

Iraq’s ratification represents a landmark moment for the Convention, given the history of use in the country, and is an important development for Iraq given the high level of cluster bomb contamination remaining and its impact on communities.

Iraq’s ratification of the Convention on Cluster Munitions demonstrates its strong commitment to the treaty in a year that marks the 10th anniversary of devastating cluster munition strikes during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Cluster munitions were also used during the 1991 Gulf War, leaving a deadly legacy of submunition contamination in Iraq. During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the US and UK used nearly 13,000 cluster munitions containing an estimated 1.8 million to 2 million submunitions.

Bolivia Ratifies Cluster Bomb Ban

2013-05-03

Bolivia signs the Convention at the CCM signing conference in Oslo, Norway 2008. Photo credit: Gunnar Mjaugedal/catchlight.no

The Plurinational State of Bolivia has become the latest country to join the global ban on cluster munitions, after depositing its instrument of ratification on 30 April. Bolivia will become the 82nd State Party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions when its ratification enters into force on 1 October 2013 in accord with the waiting period mandated by the Convention.

“Bolivia’s ratification strengthens the global stigma against this horrific weapon and brings Latin America one step closer to being the first cluster munition-free region in the world,” said Cluster Munition Coalition Campaign Manager Amy Little.

2013-04-30

The ‘Voices from Laos: Clearing Bombs. Protecting Lives” national speakers tour, organised by CMC member organisation Legacies of War, culminates in Washington DC today, on the anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war.

The highly successful tour started in New York on 4 April – UN International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action – and has visited twelve US cities. The tour has created a space for dialogue and awareness raising about how individuals and communities are affected by the legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos, including cluster munitions, leftover from the Vietnam war-era bombings.

The tour has also served to inspire and motivate people in the US to take action to support UXO clearance efforts in Laos, champion the rights and needs of survivors, create a safer future for the people of Laos and to raise funds for the UXO sector and for Legacies of War’s invaluable work.

2013-04-26

The Cluster Munition Coalition is seeking an International Campaigns and Advocacy Assistant to support our work with an international network of campaigners to end the unacceptable harm caused by these banned weapons.

More Governments Condemn Use of Cluster Munitions by Syria

2013-04-18

Plenary session at the Intersessional Meeting to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Geneva, 15-18 April 2013

(Geneva-18 April) In a strong rebuke of Syria’s ongoing and widespread use of cluster munitions, country after country this week condemned the Syrian government for this blatant disregard for the well-being of civilians. The firestorm of criticism came during an intersessional meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Geneva, which closes today.

During the meeting, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, Croatia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Lao PDR, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal and Zambia spoke to condemn cluster munition use by the Syrian government as well as to express their deep concern at any use of cluster munitions. Previously, Denmark, Switzerland and the United Kingdom as well as non-signatories Qatar and the United States have also made public statements condemning the use.

Cluster Munitions Coalition

Navigation

Search The Site

Latest News