Political Minefields

Representatives of over 40 African countries met in Kampala 29-30 September to discuss the Cluster Munition Convention, which will be signed by over 100 states in Oslo in December. They released the following statement:

-The Convention on Cluster Munitions should be signed by representatives of all African states at the Oslo Signing Conference on 2-4 December 2008 to demonstrate the continent’s strong commitment to the eradication of cluster munitions.

-Prior to the Oslo Signing Conference, all African states should publicly declare their intention to sign the Convention in Oslo on December 3.

-Governments/States should take all necessary measures to ratify the convention as soon as possible.

-Interim measures should be taken now to ensure effective implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, including, where relevant, an inventory of any stockpiled cluster munitions and preparation of a comprehensive plan for their destruction.

-Areas affected by the presence or suspected presence of cluster munition remnants should be reviewed now and clearance plans prepared. Data should be collected on cluster munition victims and existing assistance plans reviewed to ensure the inclusion of all cluster munition survivors.

-To ensure public awareness and support for the Convention on Cluster Munitions, it is important to act in unison with civil society representatives from the Cluster Munition Coalition, other non-governmental organizations, international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations’ agencies, the media and other stakeholders.

Here is the Cluster Munition Coalition’s response.