ATTENTION !!!
THOSE WHO LOVE PEACE
From 1994-1997 NGOs were very active to ban landmines. In 2007, 10 years after the anniversary of the Ottawa Treaty to Ban Landmines we are now calling for a ban on Cluster Munitions.
Basically, cluster munitions are like huge peas which explode in the sky and scatter their lethal fragments to destroy limbs and lives over an extended area. 46% lie in the ground and act like land-mines for future walkers, workers and children. From Loas to Lebanon they have been used since 1974. Cambodia has its legacy from the bombing during the war in Vietnam.
On 22nd February governments meeting in Oslo called for a united effort for a ban on Cluster Munitions.
WATCH FOR A TRAINING
ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE
ON MARCH 15, 2007
Oslo Conference on Cluster Munitions,
22 – 23 February 2007
Declaration
A group of States, United Nations Organisations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Cluster Munitions Coalition and other humanitarian organisations met in Oslo on 22 – 23 February 2007 to discuss how to effectively address the humanitarian problems caused by cluster munitions.
Recognising the grave consequences caused by the use of cluster munitions and the need for immediate action, states commit themselves to:
1. Conclude by 2008 a legally binding international instrument that will:
(i) prohibit the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster
munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians, and
(ii) establish a framework for cooperation and assistance that ensures adequate provision of care and rehabilitation to survivors and their communities, clearance of contaminated areas, risk education and destruction of stockpiles of prohibited cluster munitions.
2. Consider taking steps at the national level to address these problems.
3. Continue to address the humanitarian challenges posed by cluster munitions within the framework of international humanitarian law and in all relevant fora.
4. Meet again to continue their work, including in Lima in May/June and Vienna in November/December 2007, and in Dublin in early 2008, and welcome the announcement of Belgium to organise a regional meeting.
Oslo, 23 February 2007
