The ban will mean no cluster munitions are ever used again by those who sign the treaty, but the only way to be sure is to destroy each and every cluster munition. This preventive action will systematically reduce the potential for future victims. Indeed the whole nature of the cluster munition ban process is in large part preventive.
Landmines were used in over 80 countries and had profound effects on lives and livelihoods before they were banned in 1997. We have seen how bad the damage is when cluster bombs are used – Laos and Lebanon stand at both ends of the chronology of use, with a striking pattern of humanitarian and development harm. But with use only in 31 countries and territories so far, the problem is limited compared to what it could be if the billions – literally billions – of cluster submunitions were ever to be used.
It is for this reason that those countries that have known all too many conflicts, in Latin America and Africa for example, have been the strongest supporters of a comprehensive ban now, before the weapon has a chance to proliferate throughout their regions where it would wreak havoc equal to or even worse than that of landmines in the past.
A SUMMARY OF THE KEY OBLIGATIONS ON STATES
All States Parties must destroy all stockpiles of cluster munitions under their jurisdiction and control as soon as possible but no later than eight years after the Convention enters into force for the State Party. Should States Parties need additional time to destroy cluster munition stockpiles, a request must be submitted and extensions for a period of up to four years may be granted.
This article allows for the retention of a “minimum number” of cluster munitions and submunitions for training in and development of clearance techniques and counter-measures. It requires detailed annual reporting on the retained munitions.