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20 May 2008
Dublin Diplomatic Conference on Cluster Munitions
The Australian Government believes that the time has come for the international community to address the impact of cluster munitions that cause unacceptable humanitarian harm.
Australia is pleased to join over 120 states at a Diplomatic Conference in Dublin from 19 to 30 May to negotiate and agree the text of a legally binding Convention prohibiting cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians.
The Australian delegation, led by Ambassador Caroline Millar, includes representatives of the Australian Red Cross and World Vision Australia. These organisations have first hand experience in assisting survivors and rebuilding communities affected by cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war (ERW).
Australia has long been a supporter of mine action and alleviating the impact of ERW. Most recently, we marked Mine Action Day on 4 April with a contribution of $10 million for the UN Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan.
Australia’s objectives at the conference will be to address the humanitarian consequences of older and inherently unreliable cluster munitions that scatter battlefields with tens and hundreds of unexploded bombs which continue to kill and maim civilians long after the cessation of conflicts.
Cooperation between nations through peace-keeping and peace-enforcement, including in operations with states that may not be party to this Convention, is a fundamental pillar of international security.
Australia firmly believes that we can protect this pillar, while meeting the humanitarian objective of the Oslo Process.
Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555