Reply #101: Cluster Munition Coalition condemns use of cluster munitions by Libyan armed forces

[tabatha]

Breaking News and Press Releases

Cluster Munition Coalition condemns use of cluster munitions by Libyan armed forces

(London, 15 April 2011) Cluster Munition Coalition member Human Rights Watch has revealed today that Gaddafi’s forces have used cluster munitions in Misrata, Libya. Cluster munitions have been outlawed by the majority of the world’s nations under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions because of their indiscriminate nature and the harm they cause to civilians both during and after a conflict ends.

“Libya should immediately stop all use of cluster munitions. These banned weapons have horrific effects and the unexploded ordnance that will result will prolong civilian suffering even after the conflict has ended,” said Laura Cheeseman, director of the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC).

Human Rights Watch has reported eyewitness accounts of cluster munition use in recent days. The full extent of cluster munition use and resulting civilian casualties is unknown. Urgent steps must now be taken to ensure that unexploded cluster submunitions are cleared to prevent further deaths or injuries from cluster munitions.

The Middle East has been heavily affected by cluster munition use including in Iraq and Lebanon, as well as in Kuwait, Yemen and the territory of Western Sahara, but so far only Iraq, Lebanon and Tunisia have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions. This year from 12-16 September Lebanon will host the Second Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

http://www.minesactioncanada.org/media-centre#READ%20MORE%3E%3E

About MAC
VISION

To bring humanity one step closer to peace and social justice by eliminating the impacts of victim-activated weapons and restoring the rights and dignity of affected individuals and communities.

Mines Action Canada (MAC) is an international leader working to eliminate the serious humanitarian, environmental and development consequences of landmines, cluster bombs and other explosive remnants of war (ERW).