Lima, Peru 24 May 2007: An international ban on cluster munitions has moved closer to reality in Lima during the past two days. Sixty-eight states, including countries affected by unexploded cluster bombs, and those which have used, produced and currently stockpile the weapons joined with non governmental organizations, United Nations agencies and the ICRC are currently in a dialogue to fast-track an international cluster bomb ban. “Governments listened seriously to our concerns and those of affected countries and addressed areas of difference and common ground quite openly – that is the process which will finally result in the eradication of these indiscriminate weapons” said Rae McGrath, international spokesperson for the Handicap International network.

This was the second meeting following a Norwegian-sponsored initiative which began with a conference in Oslo in February 2007. The Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), of which Handicap International is a founding member along with more than 200 humanitarian and human rights organisations, has campaigned since 2003 for a total ban on the weapons and challenged the failure of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) review process to address the worsening humanitarian crises caused by cluster munitions. Norway, supported by a number of other governments including Austria, Belgium, Ireland and New Zealand, frustrated by the inability to make any progress within the CCW, initiated the alternative avenue for more productive negotiations. Forty-seven states joined civil society organisations in Oslo and agreed to work towards a ban on cluster munitions which cause unacceptable harm to civilians. 

Handicap International provided a major information resource to the Lima conference by the launch of the new report “Circle of Impact” which comprehensively documents the impact of cluster munitions on civilians and their livelihoods in twenty-five countries. Stan Brabant, who led the team which researched and produced the report commented:

“By documenting the magnitude and long-term effects of cluster bombs, we managed to put the needs of  affected communities at the very centre of the Oslo process. As a result, assistance to affected communities should be central in the Oslo treaty on cluster munitions.”

Governments of countries affected by cluster bombs, such as Lao PDR, Cambodia, Lebanon, Serbia and Chad were forceful in their support for the fast-track initiative. Mr Sam Sotha, heading the Cambodian delegation, told the conference “I thank those organisations that have worked relentlessly on this issue and to inform the world that landmines are not the only post conflict issue, but that cluster weapons are equally as dangerous.”

Many states, including Peru, Norway, Costa Rica, Ireland and Mexico, in emphasising the urgency of a ban, expressed cynicism at the suggestions by some governments that the problems of cluster munitions could be solved by technical fixes. In a similar vein the CMC argued strongly against any arguments that self-destruct devices fitted to the hundreds of explosive submunitions or bomblets scattered by each cluster munition would solve the problem. The coalition have produced graphic evidence during the conference testifying to the ineffectiveness of such devices, especially during the recent cluster munition attacks on southern Lebanon by Israeli forces.

Some countries, notably those which produce and maintain stockpiles of cluster bombs, argued for maintaining discussions in the CCW as a complementary process while admitting that this would be a much slower and uncertain forum which could even result in a failure to achieve a prohibition on the weapon. However these governments emphasised their full commitment to and support for the Oslo process. Some countries wanted exceptions in any treaty text which would allow them to keep what they argue are ´smart´ or ´non-dangerous´ cluster weapons. This position was challenged forcefully by NGO´s and other governments who expressed surprise at this seeming willingness to ignore the evidence of the past fifty years of cluster munition use and the huge cost in civilian loss of life. The coalition, quoting from the HI report “Circle of Impact”, reminded those states that the most common victims of cluster bombs were boys as young as six years old. This is a result of the often unusual shape and bright colouring of submunitions which attract the attention of inquisitive children.

Handicap International is especially encouraged by the wide agreement that victim assistance must be an obligation of the Oslo treaty. Outside of the main conference hall coalition members, including experts in clearing unexploded ordinance, victim assistance and human rights met with government experts to address areas of contention and to improve delegations´ understanding of the actual impact on the ground. The Handicap International campaign team brought their wide knowledge drawn from the direct experience of program staff operational in countries affected by unexploded cluster munitions to this process.

The conference will continue with a number of regional and working meetings including meetings in Costa Rica and Serbia leading up to the next major conference in Vienna in December 2007 beginning with a one day CMC civil society forum followed by two days of government meetings. It is envisioned that governments will begin detailed negotiation in Vienna, with the plan to sign a treaty in Oslo in August 2008.

Handicap International (HI) calls on all governments not yet party to the Oslo process to join without delay and commit themselves to the aims laid out in the Oslo declaration. In addition HI urges all involved governments to adopt as a basis for negotiation the CMC Key Principles laying out the essential elements of a treaty to ban cluster munitions. HI strongly challenges those countries that have argued for exceptions, such as for submunitions equipped with self destruct mechanisms, which will cost the lives of civilians for future generations to abandon those ill-judged positions and commit themselves fully to the Oslo process. HI will, in line with our coalition partners, continue to make civil society aware of the humanitarian impact of cluster munitions and of the positions being taken by governments who are not working with us to ensure the success of the Oslo initiative.