Media Release

29 December 2006

The Hon Alexander Downer MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson, Minister for Defence

Australia Signs Protocol V to the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Alexander Downer MP, and the Minister for Defence, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP today announced that Australia has become a party to Protocol V on explosive remnants of war (ERW) to the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention.

The aim of this Protocol is to minimise the post-conflict humanitarian hazards caused by ERW.  It is a significant development for the protection of both the civilian population and humanitarian missions.

As a Party to this Protocol, Australia will be obliged to mark and clear, remove or destroy ERW after the cessation of active hostilities.  If Australia is no longer in control of the territory, then Australia will be obliged to record, retain and share information on munitions use in order to facilitate ERW clearance.  Protocol V also contains a technical annex for increasing the reliability of munitions, and therefore reducing the risk of producing ERW when munitions do not explode as intended.  Defence is in the process of fully implementing all aspects of the Protocol.

Support for this Protocol is consistent with Australia’s long-standing commitment to reducing the humanitarian impact of armed conflict, particularly on civilian populations.  Widespread acceptance and implementation of Protocol V will greatly assist in minimising the humanitarian hazards posed by all forms of ERW, including unexploded cluster munitions.

Protocol V was adopted by consensus in 2003, and currently has 27 States Parties.  Australia encourages all States Parties to the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention to become party to, and implement, this Protocol as soon as possible.

Australia is also a Party to the other four Protocols to the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention. 

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