The Convention on Cluster Munitions was opened for signature in Oslo, Norway in December 2008 and will enter into force six months after the 30th signatory country has deposited its instrument of ratification. The Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) has prepared a detailed commentary on the obligations of the convention. We are reproducing here the section on Article 4.
Clearance of contaminated areas
A deminer from Handicap International pointing to a BLU 97 dud on the Dhulje pass in Kosovo in 2005. Photo: P. McCullough/Handicap International
Under Article 4, States Parties are obliged to clear areas contaminated by cluster munitions as soon as possible but no later than 10 years after entry into force of the convention for that State Party. States Parties have to report annually on the status and progress of clearance programs, which should ensure that States start their clearance activities as soon as possible. The CMC and the ICBL believe that most affected countries should be able to clear contaminated areas well before the ten-year deadline. Should States Parties need more than 10 years to clear their contaminated areas, they may apply for extension periods of up to five years, but the extension period should not be longer than strictly necessary.
Article 4 also includes provisions for marking and fencing of contaminated areas, and provisions for risk reduction education.
