AN INTERNATIONAL convention banning the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster bombs, which was negotiated in Dublin in 2008, will enter into force in August following its ratification this week by the 30th state to sign up to the treaty.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin yesterday described the news of the ratification by 30 states as a “crucial milestone” towards the universal adoption of the convention.
More than 100 states adopted the landmark ban at a conference hosted by Irish diplomats in Dublin in May 2008. Ireland played a leading role in drafting the convention and steering it towards adoption.
The State was among the first countries to sign and ratify the treaty when it opened for signature in Oslo the following December.
Signatory nations pledge to clear affected areas within 10 years, declare and destroy stockpiled cluster munitions within eight years, assist affected countries with clearance, and provide comprehensive assistance to victims of the munitions. Earlier this week, Burkina Faso and Moldova became the most recent countries to ratify the treaty.
Mr Martin said Ireland would continue to play a major role in ensuring the convention is fully implemented.
“We have now entered a new phase of work where the focus must be on implementation, not least in relation to victim assistance and clearance, and on working towards universal adoption of the convention,” he said.
“I am pleased that even before its entry into force, the convention has had a strong effect internationally on stigmatising the retention and use of these terrible and indiscriminate weapons. This is a vital step along the way to achieving the convention’s objectives.”
The first meeting of signatory nations will take place in Laos in November. Mr Martin said Irish officials were already working to assist the government in Vientiane in its preparations for the summit.
An Irish member of staff has been provided for its support unit.
Mr Martin noted that Ireland, through its diplomatic network and bilateral contacts, was “actively promoting” the universal adoption of the convention.
The Government has pledged funding of €250,000 to the Cluster Munition Coalition, an umbrella NGO grouping, to support its work in promoting the treaty this year.