International ban on cluster bombs good news

International ban on cluster bombs good news for children

Wellington, 30 July 2010. – The new international ban on cluster bombs, which comes into effect this Sunday, will help make the world a safer place for children, says UNICEF NZ.

The Convention on Cluster Munitions will enter into force on 1 August and become binding international law. To date, 107 states have signed the convention, including New Zealand.

UNICEF NZ Executive Director, Dennis McKinlay, says that cluster bombs have devastating effects, particularly on children. Cluster bombs are a type of munition that contains a number of bomblets. The smaller bombs spread out over a wide area and can remain potentially deadly for decades, rendering the area dangerous and uninhabitable.

“Bomblets are sometimes found in school yards, fields and other areas where children play and explore. This is why 40 per cent of cluster bomb victims are children.

“Long after a conflict ends, children remain at risk of activating one of these devices. Because cluster bombs are small, shiny and often colourful, children tend to pick up or play with the devices without realising how dangerous they are. Their natural curiosity can be deadly.

“From Sunday, the law will ban the use, production, transference and stockpiling of cluster bombs for signatory states. It will also ensure current bombs are cleared and the public is educated about bomb safety and alerting the authorities to remaining devices.

“The Convention is a positive step forward in helping to rid the world of cluster bombs and improving the safety of vulnerable children. It also supports the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Every child has the right to survival, development, and protection”.

To celebrate the implementation of the ban, the Aotearoa New Zealand Cluster Munition Coalition (ANZCMC) – of which UNICEF is a member – is hosting an event in Wellington’s Civic Square on 1 August.

Called “Beat the Drum”, the event is the first of many being held around the world. It will include a drumming session and film screening beginning at noon. The public is encouraged to bring their own percussion instrument in order to join celebrations.

ENDS