International law is developed to promote and enforce common standards of practice amongst states around the world. The protection of civilians from the effects of armed conflict is a long-standing and important branch of international law, known as international humanitarian law (IHL). IHL is best known through the Geneva Conventions. This body of law is constantly developing in order to respond to the changing nature of conflict and the increasing value societies place on humanitarian imperatives.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM)
The global ban on cluster munitions is the latest development in this field of international law. The treaty bans the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions and places obligations on countries to clear affected areas, assist victims and destroy stockpiles. It is the most significant treaty of its kind since the ban on anti-personnel landmines in 1997. Like the Mine Ban Treaty, this new treaty is likely to have a powerful effect in stigmatising cluster bombs, so that even those countries that do not sign the treaty will not be able to use them without being subject to international condemnation.
THE CONVENTION ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS
Convention On Cluster Munitions ENGLISH (PDF)
Convention On Cluster Munitions FRENCH (PDF)
Convention On Cluster Munitions SPANISH (PDF)
Convention on Cluster Munitions RUSSIAN (PDF)
Convention on Cluster Munitions ARABIC (PDF)
Convention on Cluster Munitions CHINESE (PDF)
CMC BRIEFING PAPER ON THE CONVENTION
ENGLISH
CMC Briefing Paper on the Convention on Cluster Munitions ENGLISH (long version)
CMC Briefing Paper on the Convention on Cluster Munitions ENGLISH (short version)
FRENCH
CMC Briefing Paper on the Convention on Cluster Munitions FRENCH
SPANISH
CMC Briefing Paper on the Convention on Cluster Munitions SPANISH