Common questions

Who signed the Convention on Cluster munitions?

Who signed the Convention on Cluster munitions?

By the end of the ceremony, 94 states had signed the treaty, including four (Ireland, the Holy See, Sierra Leone and Norway) which had also submitted their instruments of ratification. Signatories included 21 of the 27 member-states of the European Union and 18 of the 26 countries in NATO.

How is the Convention on cluster munitions enforced?

Under the Convention, all States Parties must destroy all stockpiles of cluster munitions under their jurisdiction and control as soon as possible but no later than eight years after the Convention enters into force for the State Party.

Are bomblets banned?

The international treaty comprehensively bans cluster munitions and requires member countries to clear areas contaminated by cluster munition remnants within 10 years, destroy their cluster munition stocks within eight years, and provide assistance for victims. Cluster munitions are prohibited for two main reasons.

What are the reasons for prohibition of Cluster Munitions by the Convention which was adopted in 2008?

Cluster munitions are unacceptable for two reasons. Firstly, they have wide area effects and are unable to distinguish between civilians and combatants. Secondly, the use of cluster munitions leave behind large numbers of dangerous unexploded ordnance.

Who used cluster bombs?

During the Vietnam War, the US used cluster bombs in air strikes against targets in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. According to The Guardian, of the 260 million cluster bomblets that rained down on Laos between 1964 and 1973, particularly on Xieng Khouang province, 80 million failed to explode.

Is the Convention on Cluster Munitions an international treaty?

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. The Convention on Cluster Munitions CCM Second Review Conference

Why did the UK withdraw from the cluster bomb Convention?

In an unexpected turn of events shortly before the end of the conference, Prime Minister Gordon Brown declared that the United Kingdom would withdraw all of its cluster bombs from service. This was done despite intense behind-the-scenes lobbying by the U.S. and objections by British government personnel who saw utility in the weapons.

Is it true that cluster munitions are humane weapons?

According to the Pentagon’s 2008 policy, cluster munitions are actually humane weapons.

How many submunitions are required in a cluster bomb?

These must contain no more than nine submunitions, and no submunition may weigh less than 4 kilograms (8.8 lb). Each submunition must have the capability to detect and engage a single target object and contain electronic self-destruct and self-deactivation devices.

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Ruth Doyle