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FROM THE FIELD

Cluster munitions treaty is a victory for humanity
03 Dec 2008 14:43:00 GMT
 Source: British Red Cross Society - UK
Matthias Schmale

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Today in Oslo, Norway, over 100 nations will sign an historic agreement banning the use of those cluster munitions that have caused decades of suffering for civilians.

For too long these weapons have been exacting an unacceptable toll of suffering on innocent people around the world.

This achievement is nothing less than a victory for humanity.

Over the years, cluster munitions have killed and injured thousands of civilians.

In Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Afghanistan their victims have included children maimed and killed by bombs dropped generations before they were even born.

In Kosovo, Serbia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iraq and Lebanon civilians have again paid the price for the weapons' unreliability and inaccuracy. Vast areas have been left littered with unexploded 'bomblets', still live and ready to go off long after any justifiable military purpose has been served.

In the worst cases these indiscriminately kill and maim innocent men, women and children, but the weapons have also rendered huge tracts of land unusable, cutting farmers off from their crops and visiting further suffering on families forced to risk their lives simply to pursue their livelihoods.

Almost exactly ten years ago, the world celebrated a comprehensive ban on anti-personnel landmines, an immense achievement which has saved countless lives and spared the suffering of thousands around the globe.

Then, as now, the Red Cross and the British Government were at the forefront of the debate. The Red Cross first called for a Cluster Munitions treaty in 2000 following the conflict in Kosovo. More recently it was largely due to the United Kingdom that a conference in Dublin in May was able to reach agreement on the final wording of the treaty being signed today.

This is an achievement of which all concerned should be rightfully proud, safe in the knowledge that unimaginable suffering has been averted by their actions.

But there is work still to be done.

The British government and politicians from all sides must ensure the enactment of legislation to ratify the convention as soon as the parliamentary timetable will allow, enshrining the measures set out in the treaty into UK law.

A speedy ratification and enactment would send a clear message to the world, showing just how seriously the British Government takes the treaty's obligations, and encouraging other nations to follow their lead.

Alongside bans on the use, production and stockpiling of these cluster munitions, the treaty also imposes strict requirements for the clearing of areas already contaminated by the weapons, as well as resolutions ensuring the civilian victims and their families receive the care and support they so desperately need.

Throughout its history the Red Cross has worked to prevent the suffering of civilians in war and provide relief to those affected by conflict. Today's ban is another example of how the Movement remains as relevant in the 21st century as it was at its founding almost 150 years ago.

Matthias Schmale - Director of International, British Red Cross

ENDS

The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies.

We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives.

The British Red Cross has a special role as an auxiliary to the British public authorities in the humanitarian field. It co-operates with and assists the UK government in the promotion, dissemination and implementation of international humanitarian law.

www.redcross.org.uk


[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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