Chilean-produced CB-250 K cluster bombs await destruction in Colombia.
Credit:Campaña Colombiana contra las Minas
The Colombian Air Force’s destruction this week of cluster bomb stockpiles is a positive step for civilian protection that challenges other Latin American countries to join the global ban on the weapon and destroy their own stockpiles, the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) said today.
As world’s most-affected region, Asia-Pacific will benefit from humanitarian treaty
(Bali, Indonesia, 16 November 2009) - States in Asia and the Pacific should step up efforts to sign and ratify the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Cluster Munition Coalition said today at a regional conference in Bali to promote universal adherence to the treaty.
H.E. Mr Hamid Talib Al Bayati of Iraq signs the CCM in New York on 12 November. Credit: UN Treaty Section
On 12 November 2009, Iraq signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, sending a strong message to its neighbour states in the Middle East that cluster bombs should be banned forever.
Two signatures and one ratification in Central America and the Caribbean have given a boost to the global campaign against cluster bombs.
Nicaragua is the 24th country to ratify the Convention, leaving only six ratifications needed for the treaty to become binding international law. Nicaragua’s ratification instrument was deposited on 2 November.
1. INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Convention on Cluster Munitions strongly promoted at disarmament discussions in New York
The global campaign against cluster bombs received a major boost in New York in October during the UN First Committee on Disarmament and International Security. One new signature and 2 new ratifications brought the Convention on Cluster Munitions up to 101 signatures, and 23 ratifications. Malawi and Macedonia (FYR) deposited their instruments of ratification on 7 and 8 October respectively, becoming the 22nd and 23rd countries to ratify the cluster bomb ban. Seven more ratifications are needed for entry into force.
H.E. Mr. Léo Mérorès signs the CCM on 28 October. Photo credit: UN Treaty Section