The Seventh Meeting of States Parties (7MSP) to the CCM ended on 6 September with the 7MSP President Ambassador Biontino of Germany handing over the presidency to the Eighth Meeting of States Parties (8MSP) President Ambassador Estrada of Nicaragua.
Click here for quick access to 7MSP webpage. For the social media posts on the 7MSP, visit the Convention’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
What is the Convention on Cluster Munitions?
Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) is an international treaty that addresses the humanitarian consequences and unacceptable harm to civilians caused by cluster munitions, through a categorical prohibition and a framework for action.
The Convention prohibits all use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions. In addition, it establishes a framework for cooperation and assistance to ensure adequate care and rehabilitation to survivors and their communities, clearance of contaminated areas, risk reduction education and destruction of stockpiles.
Cluster munitions are unacceptable for two reasons. Firstly, they have wide area effects and are unable to distinguish between civilians and combatants. Secondly, the use of cluster munitions leave behind large numbers of dangerous unexploded ordnance. Such remnants kill and injure civilians, obstruct economic and social development, and have other severe consequences that persist for years and decades after use.
Full text versions of the Convention for download in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic.
How many States joined the Convention?
Adopted on 30 May 2008 in Dublin, Ireland and signed on 3-4 December 2008 in Oslo, Norway, the Convention on Cluster Munitions entered into force on 01 August 2010. To date 119 states have committed to the goals of the Convention, of which 102 have become full States Parties and 17 are signatories.
Five-year road map (2015-2020)
To guide States Parties effectively implement the provisions of the Convention on Cluster Munitions from the First to the Second Review Conference, States Parties adopted a five-year roadmap called the Dubrovnik Action Plan (DAP).
Reporting on progress and challenges
In accordance with Article 7 of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, States Parties have the obligation to report on the status of their treaty implementation through an initial transparency report and annual reports thereafter. Transparency reports submitted by States Parties can be found here.