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Wednesday 03 December 2008
Oslo, 3 December 2008 - As governments from all regions in the world gather in Oslo, Norway, today for the signing of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) also celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the Mine Ban Treaty.
The Mine Ban Treaty and Convention on Cluster Munitions were both inspired by the need to put people’s lives before any dubious political or military considerations. Together, the two conventions will create an ever stronger framework to protect civilians from further suffering and to address the effects of past use of indiscriminate weapons such as antipersonnel mines and cluster munitions.
Campaigners celebrate the signature of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in front of the Oslo City Hall, in 2008. Photo: F. Visi
Survivors from cluster munitions, their families and members of affected communities had a prominent role in the process leading to the adoption of the Cluster Munitions Convention.
During the signing ceremony, which symbolically takes place on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, ICBL ambassador Margaret Arach Orech will call on signatories to take responsibility to enforce the treaty quickly, especially in regard to victim assistance. A landmine survivor from Uganda, Ms Arach Orech will also call on all states to join the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities whose provisions will complement and reinforce the victim assistance aspects of the Convention on Cluster Munitions and Mine Ban Treaty.
“Even in today’s difficult world, we proved once again that the model of partnership between governments and civil society can bring about much needed change,” said Jody Williams, who won the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the ICBL for her role in promoting the mine ban. “Even governments have realised that together we can achieve a safer world for all.”
“This partnership must continue now to ensure that the new Convention quickly enters into force and its provisions start to be implemented,” said Sylvie Brigot, Executive Director of the ICBL. “We know from the experience of the Mine Ban Treaty that the hard work begins now, and we will continue to spare no efforts until we see the words on the paper signed today translated into real change for all those affected,” Brigot concluded.
Among the dozens of states signing today, four (the Holy See, Ireland, Norway and Sierra Leone) also ratified the treaty simultaneously. Twenty-six more ratifications are needed for the Convention to enter into force and implementation to begin. The ICBL – a member of the Cluster Munition Coalition - urged all states present in Oslo today to ratify without delay. ENDS ../
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact Sylvie Brigot inOslo on +33 607172776 The signing conference proceedings can be watched live through the following link:http://www.osloccm.no/live.cfm