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 5.
Victim assistance
Cluster munition and landmine victims at the Dublin Diplomatic Conference on Cluster Munitions. Victim assistance provisions are the result of concerted thinking and drafting by states, victims, researchers, victim assistance providers and legal experts. Photo: M. Wareham
Article 5 adopts a holistic view of victim assistance by requiring states parties to ensure that victims of cluster munitions can enjoy their human rights.
States Parties are obliged to provide assistance to cluster munition victims including medical care, rehabilitation and psychological support and to assist social and economic inclusion. Cluster munition victims include all persons directly impacted by cluster munitions as well as their affected families and communities.
Action Plans and Inclusion
States Parties must develop a national action plan to implement victim assistance activities and designate a national focal point within the government for coordinating all matters related to this article. In their work on victim assistance States Parties must consult with and involve cluster munition victims and organisations working on this issue. States Parties should integrate victim assistance work into existing mechanisms to make it more cost-efficient and effective.
