Martin Marks First Anniversary Of Cluster Weapons Convention

peaking to mark the occasion of the first anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Cluster Munitions on May 30 last year, the Minister said a renewed effort is needed to get individual countries to pass individual laws banning the munitions. A total of 30 countries must agree to national laws to allow the Convention to take effect.

Ireland has shown the way by adopting its own legislation and ratifying the Convention as soon as it opened for signature last December in Oslo.  Seven States had now ratified and several others were on the verge of doing so.  The Minister said "This is good news for the victims of this dreadful, indiscriminate weapon.  We need to put in place adequate support for victims and survivors, and affected families and communities.  Vast numbers of dangerous munitions remain to be cleared.  The Convention provides the structures to address these issues.  Full implementation of its provisions will reduce the number of future victims, adult and child."

Minister Martin looked forward to the Convention having a stigmatising effect on use of cluster munitions, even by those States who do not join immediately.  "As we gather momentum towards entry into force, and more States commit to the ban on cluster munitions, even those who hang back will be obliged to consider their actions."