CCM President deeply concerned with recurring use of cluster munitions in Syria

The Presidency of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Federal Republic of Germany, issued the following statement on 5th October 2016:

“We are deeply concerned about the recurring news of the use of cluster munitions in Syria, notably during the intensifying bombardments of Aleppo. The use of cluster bombs in densely populated areas is contrary to international humanitarian law and the norms set by this convention.

We call upon the Syrian government to refrain from the use of cluster munitions and to adhere to respective norms and obligations under international humanitarian law.

We underline our commitment that offenses against international law shall be properly investigated and the perpetrators held accountable.”

Convention on Cluster Munitions meeting ends with significant gains in stockpile destruction and calling on States not party to cease use of this forbidden weapon

Press Release CCM

Version en française disponible pour le télécharger en pdf. ici – 09-07-2016-Press-Release-Closing-6MSP-Fr.pdf

(Geneva, 7 September 2016) – The Convention on Cluster Munitions Sixth Meeting of States Parties (6MSP) has concluded three days of sessions aimed at taking stock of progress and adherence to the Dubrovnik Action Plan which guides the treaty’s implementation efforts until 2020.

6MSP Convention on Cluster Munitions1

“The Netherlands is pleased with the progress achieved in matters of stockpile destruction, clearance, victim assistance and by the growing number of our membership; all these accomplishments take us one step closer towards our common goal,” said H.E. Henk Cor van der Kwast, Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Conference on Disarmament and President of the Convention. Continue reading

Cluster Munitions Convention opens in Geneva with a call for States Parties to adopt a target date for completion and for States not party to join this humanitarian treaty

Press Release CCM

Cluster Munitions Convention opens in Geneva with a call for States Parties to adopt a target date for completion and for States not party to join this humanitarian treaty

(Geneva, 5 September 2016) – Over 300 participants from more than 100 States, international and non-governmental organizations have initiated three days of work to take stock of the implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions’ steering action plan.

6MSP in Geneva1

The Dubrovnik Action Plan seeks to increase adherence to the treaty, assist States Parties to develop resourced plans for destroying stocks, clearing contaminated lands, providing risk-reduction education and strengthening national capacity for victim assistance, among other core work. Continue reading

The Dubrovnik Action Plan Booklet

The Dubrovnik Action Plan lists concrete steps to implement the Convention on Cluster Munitions in the period from 2015 to 2020.

It is designed to gather momentum, guide and assist States Parties and other actors in the practical implementation of the Convention. It was adopted unanimously by States Parties, at the First Review Conference of the Convention, in September 2015 in Dubrovnik (Croatia).

An easy read version of the The Dubrovnik Action Plan is now available in a booklet format.

Dubrovnik