Norway is now taking the initiative for a process that could lead to an international ban on cluster munitions that have unacceptable humanitarian consequences. The aim is to ensure that such weapons no longer pose a threat to civilians during and after armed conflicts.
29/11/2006 :: Norway will work together with a number of other countries to establish an international ban on cluster munitions. “We must take advantage of the political will now evident in many countries to prohibit cluster munitions that cause unacceptable humanitarian harm. The time is ripe to establish broad cooperation on a concerted effort to achieve a ban,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
An increasing number of countries and humanitarian organisations are calling for an international ban. This supported by the UN Secretary-General, who has demanded an immediate freeze on all cluster munitions.
“We must now put in place concrete measures that will put an end to the untold humanitarian suffering caused by cluster munitions, and we are pleased to note the increasing calls for an international ban. Norway is now taking a leading role in efforts to achieve such a ban,” said Mr Støre.
Norway will therefore arrange an international meeting in Oslo in February next year to build a coalition of countries and humanitarian actors interested in starting a process that will hopefully lead to a ban on cluster munitions.
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs