Cluster bombs are banned under the convention on cluster munitions ccm, an international treaty that addresses the humanitarian consequences and unacceptable harm caused to civilians by cluster munitions through a categorical prohibition and a framework for action. The 2008 convention on cluster munitions provides the only international framework for eradicating these weapons. Italian ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation directorategeneral for political and security affairs. Convention on cluster munitions and mine ban treaty respectively. The convention also sets legal precedent in three ways.
The role of ngo activism in the implementation of the convention on cluster munitions thomas nash thomas nash joined the international cluster munition coalition cmc in early 2004 and has served as coordinator throughout the successful global campaign to achieve an international treaty banning cluster bombs. A guide to cluster munitions geneva international centre. It opened for signature on 3 december 2008, and entered into force on 1 august 2010. A guide to cluster munitions the web site cannot be found.
Implementing the convention on cluster munitions human. Will keep older cluster munitions, a weapon banned by. Laos is one country that has paid dearly for unexploded landmines and cluster bombs on its territory, and much needs to be done to ban these weapons and invest in mine clearance. Convention on cluster munitions the states parties to this convention, deeply concerned that civilian populations and individual civilians continue to bear the brunt of armed conflict, determined to put an end for all time to the suffering and casualties caused by cluster munitions. Convention on cluster munitions e united nations office at. Convention on cluster munitions, international treaty, adopted by more than 100 countries on may 30, 2008, that prohibited the manufacture, transfer, and use of cluster munitions. Its disarmament provisions comprehensively prohibit the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions, as well as assistance with any of these banned activities, and require that stockpiled cluster munitions be destroyed within eight years. Recalling its resolutions 6371 of 2 december 2008 on the.
It is an unverifiable, unenforceable, allornothing exercise in. Implementation of the convention on cluster munitions unog. Cluster munitions have a widearea effect, which makes them inherently inaccurate when used. The convention on cluster munitions the ccm is the. Some cluster munitions disperse only two bomblets while others can spread up to hundreds of submunitions over a large area. Law prohibiting the financing of cluster munitions luxembourg prohibited the financing of cluster munitions in 2009, in the law ratifying the convention on cluster munitions.
Cluster munition remnants means failed cluster munitions, abandoned cluster munitions, unexploded submunitions and unexploded bomblets. Convention on cluster munitions ccm the ccm was adopted in may 2008 and entered into force in august 2010. The convention on cluster munitions ccm is an international treaty that prohibits the use, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs, a type of explosive weapon which scatters submunitions bomblets over an area. Convention on cluster munitions arms control association. Italy national points of contact organization, telephones, fax, email. The convention on cluster munitions and the evolution of international humanitarian law bonnie docherty abstract the 2008 convention on cluster munitions comprehensively bans a weapon that causes civilian casualties both during and after attacks.
Under the convention on cluster munitions, states parties must declare and. The convention on cluster munitions ccm that was signed in december 2008 states in article 3 paragraph 6 as follows. The last known use of cluster munitions by the united states military was. January 2011, the cmc merged with the international campaign to ban landmines icbl to. The convention on cluster munitions, ccm, prohibits all use, stockpiling, production and transfer of cluster munitions. After decades of seeing civilians suffer with each new use of cluster munitions, and in the face of an inadequate response in other fora, norway launched the oslo process on cluster munitions in february 2007 by inviting governments supporting the development of new rules on cluster munitions to a conference in oslo. Convention on cluster munitions the states parties to this convention, deeply concerned that civilian populations and individual civilians continue to bear the brunt of armed conflict, determined to put an end for all time to the suffering and casualties caused by cluster munitions at the time of their use, when they fail to function as intended or when they are abandoned. An incomplete solution to the cluster munition problem. Declaration to forward the text of the draft cluster munitions convention as the basic proposal for consideration at the dublin diplomatic conference, together with the compendium of additional proposals. The cluster bomb cbu87 example is dropped from a plane.
The last known use of cluster munitions by the united states military was a december 2009 strike in yemen, when navy warships. The convention on cluster munitions is a misbegotten treaty that neither advances the laws of war nor enhances security. Article 1 general obligations and scope of application 1. May 30, 2008 after decades of seeing civilians suffer with each new use of cluster munitions, and in the face of an inadequate response in other fora, norway launched the oslo process on cluster munitions in february 2007 by inviting governments supporting the development of new rules on cluster munitions to a conference in oslo. Convention on cluster munitions e united nations office. Cluster munitions, cluster bombs human rights watch. The convention was adopted on 30 may 2008 in dublin, and was opened for signature on 3 december 2008 in oslo. The convention on cluster munitions bans all use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions. The purpose of the convention is to provide a comprehensive international response to the suffering caused by the use of cluster munitions and. The convention on cluster munitions ccm prohibits all use, stockpiling, production and transfer of cluster munitions. Cluster munition coalition international organization.
In may 2008, 107 states concluded an international treaty prohibitingthese weapons. Government policy and practice, which was researched and written by human rights watch and landmine action now action on armed violence, and published by. Cluster munitions are a type of explosive weapon widely stockpiled by more than 80 states. Dublin 19 30 may 2008 convention on cluster munitions, ccm 77, 30 may 2008 excerpt article 1 general obligations and scope of application 1. When dropped, the bomb is designed to open midair and distribute the bomblets so that they, on impact, will explode and affect an area that can be as. Convention on cluster munitions how is convention on cluster munitions abbreviated. Cluster munitions or cluster bombs are weapons that consist of one carrier container filled with separate bomblets. The following year the european parliament called upon european union members to cease the production, export, and use of cluster munitions and to work toward an international treaty. The central provision of the convention on cluster munitions is the ban on the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of cluster munitions. Each state party undertakes never under any circumstances to. In february 2015, atks aerospace and defense groups merged with orbital. The humanitarian objection to cluster munitions therefore arises mainly from two properties of this class of weapons.
The convention on cluster munitions ccm prohibits the use, possession, production and transfer of cluster munitions and requires the destruction of existing stocks. Cluster munitions do not distinguish between civilians and combatants and can leave behind unexploded ordnance which can harm civilians and be detrimental to economic and social development for decades after use. It was ratified on november 5th, 2010 and it entered into force on may 1st, 2011. It is an unverifiable, unenforceable, allornothing exercise in moral suasion, not a seri. Convention on cluster munitions tke states parties to this convention, deeply concerned that civilian populations and individual civilians continue to bear the brunt of armed conflict, determined to put an end for all time to the suffering and casualties caused by cluster munitions at the time of their use, when they fail to function. Dpicm combine antiarmour and fragmentation effects, while combined.
Italian ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation. Transfer involves, in addition to the physical movement of cluster munitions into or from national territory, the transfer of title to and control over cluster munitions, but does not involve the. The convention on cluster munitions prohibits all use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of cluster munitions. The diplomatic conference for the adoption of a convention on cluster munitions was held from 19 to 30 may 2008, in dublin. First is the fact that whatever legitimate role cluster munitions may be applied to, their nature and characteristics lend themselves so easily to attacks which strike combatants and civilians alike. At the end of 2018, 79% of known areas contaminated with cluster munitions had been cleared and. That is one of the reasons that it spends more than any other country to eliminate the risk to civilians from landmines and all explosive remnants of war, including unexploded cluster munitions. Cluster munitions target an area rather than a single point. Cluster munitions at a glance arms control association. Convention on cluster munitions convention on cluster munitions determined also to ensure the full realisation of the rights of all cluster munition victims and recognising their inherent dignity, resolved to do their utmost in providing assistance to clus ter munition victims, including medical care, rehabilitation and. The role of ngo activism in the implementation of the convention on cluster munitions thomas nash thomas nash joined the international cluster munition coalition cmc in early 2004 and has served as coordinator throughout the successful global campaign to. A cluster bomb can contain anywhere from nine to several hundred bomblets.
The role of ngo activism in the implementation of the. They continue to pose a threat postconflict by leaving. Worldwide investments in cluster munitions a shared. Fact sheet convention on cluster munitions the convention on cluster munitions ccm was opened for signature in oslo on 3 december 2008 and entered into force on 1 august 2010. The weapons function by releasing dozens of small bomblets over a wide area. Sep 06, 2016 more than onequarter of the states parties to the convention on cluster munitions have adopted national implementation legislation, but much work remains to be done in this area. A guide to cluster munitions the convention on cluster. Convention on cluster munitions international treaty. Government policy and practice, which was researched and written by human rights watch and landmine action now action on armed violence, and published by the monitor. Will keep older cluster munitions, a weapon banned by 102 nations. Cluster munitions are characterized as bombs or shells that consist of an outer. Cluster munitions, also called cluster bombs or cbus, are gravity bombs, artillery shells, and rockets that fragment into small bomblets or grenades.
The convention on cluster munitions represents a major step forward in. Convention on cluster munitions how is convention on. The united states shares in the international concern about the humanitarian impact of all munitions, including cluster munitions. The law simply provides that it is forbidden for any natural or legal person to knowingly finance cluster munition weapons or explosive submunitions. Background and issues for congress congressional research service rs22907 version 31 updated 1 what are cluster munitions. Convention text the convention on cluster munitions. Moreover, unexploded duds lying around form a lifethreatening hazard for civilians long after. The convention on cluster munitions ccm categorically bans the use, production. Potential issues for congress include cluster munitions in an era of precision weapons, other weapons in lieu of cluster munitions, and the potential impact of dods 2017 revised cluster munitions policy. This type of ordnance, which can be delivered by several means,18 consists of a container that releases submunitions, or bomblets, while in flight.
This makes it illegal in every country that joins the convention for anyone to use cluster munitions or engage in any production or trade of the weapon. Laws prohibiting investments in controversial weapons. Cluster munitions have been a significant weapon in the worlds arsenals for the last halfcentury, but their use has drawn sharp criticism for its impact on civilian populations. Implementation of the convention on cluster munitions. Cluster munitions pose an immediate threat to civilians during conflict by randomly scattering submunitions or bomblets over a wide area. Convention on certain conventional weapons on cluster munitions, and also the oslo. The issue of cluster munitions has risen to prominence in recent years and received strong public attention in 2011. Cluster munition monitor, now in its tenth edition, was first released in 2010 and builds upon the 2009 report banning cluster munitions. Separate articles in the convention concern assistance to victims, clearance of contaminated areas and destruction of stockpiles. First is the fact that whatever legitimate role cluster munitions may be applied to, their nature and characteristics lend themselves so easily to. Dec 01, 2017 will keep older cluster munitions, a weapon banned by 102 nations. Convention on cluster munitions the issues monitor.
The cluster munition coalition cmc is an international civil society movement campaigning against the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions. The convention on cluster munitions was adopted by 107 countries on 30 may 2008 in dublin, ireland. It is also based on international humanitarian law. The convention on cluster munitions the ccm is the international treaty of more than 100 states that addresses the humanitarian consequences and unacceptable harm caused to civilians by cluster munitions, through a categorical prohibition and a framework for action. Convention on cluster munitions legislation for common law states on the 2008 convention on cluster munitions. On the retention and acquisition of cluster munitions. More than onequarter of the states parties to the convention on cluster munitions have adopted national implementation legislation, but much work remains to be done in this area. It weighs about 430 kg and carries about 200 bomblets. Adopted on 30 may 2008 during a diplomatic conference held in dublin, it was the culmination of a process begun in oslo in february 2007, following the failure of the convention.
Treaties, states parties, and commentaries convention on. The convention will enter into force on 1 august 2010, and the first meeting of states parties will be held in lao pdr in november. Convention on cluster munitions reporting formats for article 7 of the convention on cluster munitions state party. Should not join the convention on cluster munitions. Dualpurpose improved conventional munitions dpicm combine anti armour and. Th e gge should make every eff ort to negotiate this proposal as rapidly as possible and report on the progress. It not only includes a chapter on the content of the convention and one on stockpile destructiona signi. Convention on cluster munitions the states parties to this convention, deeply concerned that civilian populations and individual civilians continue to bear the brunt of armed conflict, determined to put an end for all time to the suffering and casualties caused by cluster munitions at the time of their use, when they fail to function as intended or when they. They are documented to have caused significant civilian deaths and injuries and have. Interpretation in this act abandoned cluster munitions means cluster munitions or explosive submunitions that have not been used and that have been left behind or dumped, and that are no longer under. Cluster munitions ccm, thereby bringing the total number of ratifications to 30 and thus triggering the sixmonth countdown to entry into force. Click here for the full report 12 pdf pages, hosted on the website of the federation of american scientists. Convention on cluster munitions, ccm 77, 30 may 2008 excerpt.
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