14 February 2014,

It is with great alarm and disappointment that we have learnt of the use of Cluster Munitions in the continued unrest in South Sudan as reported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). As President of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, I wish to urge all parties in the dispute to exercise restraint and refrain from their use.

Cluster Munitions are indiscriminate weapons that maim or kill civilians during and long after a conflict. Their continued use in Africa and indeed other regions has continued to cost the world through loss of precious lives and other resources. In this regard, we join the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon and other peace loving people world over, in condemning the reported use of these indiscriminate weapons in South Sudan, remnants of which were found in the Jonglei State.

As President of the Convention, we reaffirm our commitment to world peace and security by urging all States that are not Party to the Convention on Cluster munitions to join the 113 members of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in condemning the production, use and stockpiling of Cluster Munitions. It is our firm belief that only a comprehensive global ban on Cluster Munitions will ensure a safer world for all.

Hon. Wylbur Simuusa, M.P.
Minister of Foreign affairs of the Republic of Zambia
President of the Convention on Cluster Munitions

The electronic version is available at the following link: Statement by President 4MSP CCM condemning use of cluster munitions in South Sudan