December 3, 2008
No. 234
Canada today became a signatory of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Ambassador Jillian Stirk, acting on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed the Convention in Oslo, Norway.
"This convention is a significant achievement. Over time, it will save the lives of many thousands of people around the world and will help to end the use of a weapon that has devastating effects on civilians," said Minister Cannon.
"Canada looks forward to working closely with like-minded states, UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and civil society organizations to fully implement the Convention, rid the world of cluster munitions, and as far as possible repair the shattered lives of people who have suffered because of them," added Minister Cannon.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions will prohibit the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions. Upon ratification, States Parties will also be required to destroy their stockpiles, clear contaminated areas and rehabilitate victims. Canada will provide assistance to states needing help to do this, primarily through its Global Peace and Security Fund.
Cluster munitions typically contain dozens to hundreds of small, explosive sub-munitions. They have been used in more than 30 countries and territories. They have a devastating impact on civilians, who account for 98 percent of all recorded casualties. Children are particularly vulnerable.
In Canada's view, the Convention on Cluster Munitions strikes an appropriate balance between humanitarian and security considerations. It establishes the highest international humanitarian standards with respect to cluster munitions, while allowing its signatories to continue to engage in combined security operations with allies that have not signed.
More than 100 countries are expected to sign the Convention on December 3 and 4 in Oslo, including many states affected by cluster munitions.
- 30 -
A backgrounder follows.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
Cluster Munitions
Cluster munitions typically contain large quantities of explosive sub-munitions that can blanket a large area in a short time. Many types are likely to have an indiscriminate effect when used, and leave a large number of unexploded "duds" that endanger local populations for decades after conflict has ended.
Efforts to ban cluster munitions within the traditional disarmament forum-the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW)-have been unsuccessful to date. As a result, Norway, with strong support from the Holy See, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria and Mexico, led an initiative in 2006 to negotiate a new, legally binding convention to ban cluster munitions that cause unacceptable humanitarian harm.
The process was initiated in Olso, Norway, in February 2007. Subsequent pre-negotiation conferences were held in Lima, Peru, in May 2007, Vienna, Austria, in December 2007 and Wellington, New Zealand, in February 2008. Formal negotiations were held in Dublin, Ireland, from May 19 to 30, 2008.
One hundred and seven countries participated in the Dublin negotiations. Also present were 21 observer states, eight international organizations-including several UN agencies-the International Committee of the Red Cross, the European Commission, and approximately 250 representatives of non-governmental organizations.
Canada was widely regarded as a key participant throughout the Olso Process and the President of the Dublin Conference specifically commended the country for its substantial contribution to the final outcome.
On the final day of the Conference, participating states unanimously adopted a strong convention that, among other provisions:
- prohibits all cluster munitions, as defined in the Convention;
- sets specific deadlines for the destruction of stockpiles of cluster munitions (eight years) and clearance of contaminated areas (10 years);
- provides for risk education for vulnerable populations, as well as assistance for victims and their families and communities;
- obligates states that can do so to assist other, affected, states to fulfill their responsibilities under the Convention; and
- allows participating states to continue to engage effectively in combined security operations with states not party to the Convention.
Canada has never produced or used cluster munitions, though the country acquired some in the past. Canada has taken all its cluster munitions out of active service, and will destroy the last of its stockpiles in coming years.
