Over 100 Countries Negotiate Cluster Bomb Ban

Treaty to be finalized in Dublin, Ireland during May 19-30

A global treaty banning cluster bombs that cause unacceptable harm to civilians will be finalized later this month in Dublin, Ireland. The U.S. government won’t be there, despite the presence of more than half the world’s countries and all major NATO allies (United Kingdom, Germany, France, etc.).

The treaty process has moved rapidly from conception to near completion in just over a year, while going largely unnoticed in the U.S. It started in February 2007 when 46 governments met in Oslo to endorse a call by the Norwegian government to conclude a new legally binding treaty in 2008 to prohibit the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians and to provide adequate resources to assist survivors and clear contaminated areas.

Subsequent “Oslo Process” meetings were held in Peru, Austria, and New Zealand to develop a draft treaty text. The meeting in Dublin will be the actual treaty negotiation and adoption of the final text.

The U.S has not only been absent from the process but has actively worked to undermine it, lobbying NATO and other allies to weaken the treaty. So far such efforts have been largely unsuccessful and have served only to further isolate the U.S. from the world community.

Additionally, the U.S. will face serious obstacles to joint military operations should it continue to insist upon using cluster bombs. Already, NATO allies have insisted that the U.S. not use cluster munitions in the joint operation in Afghanistan.

Given the moral and practical pitfalls posed by continued use, production, and export of cluster bombs, it’s time for the U.S. to accede to the emerging global norm against this weapon. Encourage senators to do their part by cosponsoring the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act (S.594/H.R.1755). Call your senators toll-free by dialing 800-401-3641, or send them an email, urging them to take action in support of this common-sense legislation TODAY!

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Find out more about the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act.

For updates on the cluster bomb treaty talks, check out: http://www.clusterprocess.org/