Canada listens to Sophie, opposes cluster munitions

The following news release was issued today by Lawrence Cannon, federal minister of foreign affairs.

Shown is a SooToday.com file photo of Sophie Couturier, taken last month at a Sault Ste. Marie Canadian Red Cross event aimed at banning the use of cluster munitions.

************************** Canada signs convention on cluster munitions

Canada today became a signatory of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Ambassador Jillian Stirk, acting on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed the Convention in Oslo, Norway.

“This convention is a significant achievement. Over time, it will save the lives of many thousands of people around the world and will help to end the use of a weapon that has devastating effects on civilians,” said Minister Cannon. “Canada looks forward to working closely with like-minded states, UN agencies, the international committee of the Red Cross and civil society organizations to fully implement the convention, rid the world of cluster munitions, and as far as possible repair the shattered lives of people who have suffered because of them,” added Minister Cannon.

The Convention on Cluster Munitions will prohibit the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions.

Upon ratification, states parties will also be required to destroy their stockpiles, clear contaminated areas and rehabilitate victims.

Canada will provide assistance to states needing help to do this, primarily through its global peace and security fund.

Cluster munitions typically contain dozens to hundreds of small, explosive sub-munitions.

They have been used in more than 30 countries and territories.

They have a devastating impact on civilians, who account for 98 percent of all recorded casualties.

Children are particularly vulnerable.

In Canada’s view, the Convention on Cluster Munitions strikes an appropriate balance between humanitarian and security considerations.

It establishes the highest international humanitarian standards with respect to cluster munitions, while allowing its signatories to continue to engage in combined security operations with allies that have not signed.

More than 100 countries are expected to sign the Convention on December 3 and 4 in Oslo, including many states affected by cluster munitions.

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