Delegates urged to ban cluster munitions

DELEGATES at an international conference being held in Dublin have been urged to use the next fortnight to change the laws on the use of deadly cluster bombs.

Speakers, including Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, used the first day of a major diplomatic conference on cluster munitions at Croke Park, to call on delegates from around the world to draft proposals that would put the weaponry out of use.

The minister said Ireland’s opposition to the use of cluster bombs was motivated by “humanitarian principles” and Irish Aid programmes overseas had first-hand experience of clearing such mines.

Mr Martin said of cluster munitions: “They can be indiscriminate at the time of use, thus harming civilians who are within range, and the high failure rate of sub-munitions at the time of impact has created an enduring hazard of unexploded ordnance, causing casualties long after the cessation of hostilities and making much land unusable.”

He also said that while international law does not adequately address these concerns, it is hoped that the conference would change this.

“Time is limited. We have less than a fortnight to reach agreement,” he warned.

The conference, which opened with a video message from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, is being attended by representatives from 100 countries, although some such as America, China, Israel and Russia, who have used cluster bombs, have not sent delegates.

The conference, which runs until May 30, is expected to hear a large number of proposals on how best to curb the use of cluster bombs, while some are expected to lobby to exempt certain weapons, or have them exempted for a lengthy transition period.

Branislav Kapetanovic lost his hands and legs to a cluster bomb and told delegates that it was offensive to hear some countries advocate exceptions for some types of cluster munitions. He stressed that all such munitions should be banned.

Ad Melkert, UN Under-Secretary General and associate administrator of the UN Mine Action Team, told the conference that cluster munitions were affecting land and livestock, and have caused more than 13,000 injuries and deaths so far, including many children. He said at least 75 countries still stockpile cluster munitions.

“A strong and comprehensive treaty could stop the proliferation and use of these cluster munitions by prohibiting transfers and ensuring that stockpiles are subject to destruction.”

The president of the International Red Cross, Jakob Kellenberger, echoed that view, claiming that the objective of banning cluster munitions was within reach.