Ban Newsletter

Ban Newsletter, Issue 27, October 2010

Editorial

A strong Vientiane Action Plan will set the Bar for the Implementation
of the Convention on Cluster Munitions at the First Meeting of States
Parties in November 2010

On the First of August 2010, the decision-making process on the
international community, the Cluster implementation of the Convention, in
Munition Coalition and in particular the particular in their own countries. Who
survivors of cluster munition incidents, knows better than the survivors
celebrated the entry into force of the themselves how their needs can be
Convention on Cluster Munitions. In less fulfilled? They have reiterated the need
than two years since the beginning of for their call to be heard now with the
the Oslo Process a groundbreaking and same sense of urgency as at the
exemplary humanitarian and beginning of this process.
disarmament treaty has come into
effect. The world will be a safer place
and the plight of affected communities
will be better recognized if the
international community works together
to implement all the provisions outlined
under the Convention. The work on
drafting the Vientiane Action Plan, which
will translate all provisions into action,
has already been undertaken.

Realism and ambition will be necessary
to make it strong enough to assure
survivors, their families and all affected
The First Meeting of States Parties will
communities that their needs will be
take place in Lao PDR, a symbolic venue,
taken into account, needs which they
as it is the most severely affected
can claim as ‘rights’ under this
country in the world. If at this
Convention. Handicap International, its
conference in November 2010, the
civil society partners and survivors
States Parties show a willingness to
themselves have highlighted over and
commit to a constructive Vientiane
over again the lack of effective support
Action Plan, it will be a demonstration of
for all survivors, even for those located
the international community’s political
in the most remote areas.
will to translate the Convention into
practice, and will also serve to send a
In recent conferences on cluster strong message to affected people and
munitions, survivors have stressed the communities that international
necessity of being included in the

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cooperation can lead to effective needs to be done in the very near future
clearance of the land within a time- and for the years to come. More and
bound period, and coordinated and more the focus will be on how we do
more effective assistance for the victims things rather than on what we have to
and survivors. Handicap International as do. It is not enough, for example, to
part of the Cluster Munition Coalition stress on more funding, how funds are
calls on all states to listen carefully to used is even more important. This
the people in the affected areas and to should be reflected in the wording of
prepare a strong Vientiane Action Plan. the Vientiane Action Plan. Consultations
with victims and their representative
organizations should be “systematic”
not only regarding the victim assistance
provision but in relation to the
implementation of the Convention as a
whole. They should be “actively” and
“meaningfully” involved in the
development, implementation,
monitoring and evaluation of relevant
national plans, budgets, laws and
policies.

Focus on Victim Assistance and
International Cooperation

Victim Assistance and International
Cooperation and Assistance are
increasingly at the heart of the
discussions on the Mine Ban Treaty and
the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Negotiations on the implementation of
the Cartagena Action Plan of the Mine
Ban Treaty as well as preparatory talks The plan should not only mention that
on the Vientiane Action Plan for the survivors’ capacities should be
Convention on Cluster Munitions that enhanced but should go further by
will be adopted during the First Meeting saying that those capacities should be
of States Parties in Lao PDR in November built up “by financial and technical
2010, build on the same experiences resources, effective leadership and
and have to face similar challenges. management trainings, exchange
programs”. Awareness-raising has to be
A sense of greater quality, efficiency “effective” and implemented
and urgency should guide all steps of “adequately”, if words are to be
the implementation of victim assistance translated into action. Actions should be
from the planning to the reporting and “specific”, “measurable”, “achievable”
monitoring stages. Within this whole and “realistic”.
process, the active involvement of
survivors and their representative
organizations is now recognized as a
necessity by all actors. Assessing the
needs of survivors is a first step to be
taken. Consensus is growing about what
has been done up to now and what

2

inclusion and psychological support,
and on servicing remote areas. The First
Meeting of States Parties offers an
excellent opportunity for States Parties
to come up with victim assistance plans
already in place, provide information on
decisions taken and show results on the
ground.

Moreover, affected states can make
clear how they can strengthen national
ownership and extend their capacity for
implementing victim assistance
programs, while donor states can
demonstrate their capacity to extend
funding for victim assistance.
To achieve results soon, actions should
be time-bound with specified deadlines. Another important recognition is that of
Responsibilities and focal points should the expertise and competence of
be identified within six months; data affected states and their capacity to set
should be collected, actions coordinated up regional partnerships for a South-
and a plan developed (if this has not yet South cooperation, eventually based on
been the case) within one year after the best practices. Building upon national
entry into force of the Convention for a capacities, international and multilateral
particular States Party. Availability and cooperation can strengthen national
accessibility of services should be ownership.
reviewed within two years.

All services need to be available and
accessible to all survivors, no matter
where they live. States should identify
the environmental, political and social
barriers preventing access to essential
services and take action to remove

In many countries, services already in
place need to be expanded substantially
and geographically.

The Vientiane Action Plan should make
use of all the expertise governments,
civil society and international
organizations have gathered over the
years, always bearing in mind that
survivors, their families and
communities need to see tangible
improvements on the ground soon.
Therefore the Vientiane Action Plan on
victim assistance should be ambitious,
clear and measurable.
The focus should be on the whole range
of support going from medical care,
rehabilitation to economic and social

3

Finally a word on reporting: Reporting is
not something that has to be
encouraged but it is something States
Parties are obliged to do so. States
Parties should provide the relevant
information in their annual transparency
reports as well as at relevant
international, regional and national fora.
Progress reports shall also be used as a
means to share good practices.

Photos: Handicap International, CMC and Mary Wareham

See below for more information on:

- Developments on the Mine Ban Treaty, the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

- Victim Assistance and International Cooperation under the Mine Ban Treaty and the

Convention on Cluster Munitions

- The Ban Advocates and the Universalization of the Convention on Cluster Munitions

- Investments in Mines and Cluster Munition Producers

- Recent articles, publications, videos, films and sites

More on the First Meeting of States Parties in Vientiane:
www.ccm1msplaos.la
www.clusterconvention.org;
www.unog.ch/; http://
www.stopclustermunitions.org/1msp/

More on the CMC and the Entry into Force Events:
www.august1.org
www.stopclustermunitions.org

More on the Ban Advocates:
www.banadvocates.org

4

MINE BAN TREATY (MBT)
the Ottawa Convention in the coming
For an update on the Status of the years.”
Mine Ban Treaty: www.apminebanconvention.org
http://treaties.un.org/pages/Treaties.a
spx?id=26&subid=A&lang=en 68 US Senators ask the President
to join the MBT - On 18 May 2010, a
Military investigation on landmine letter signed by 68 Senators, asking
use by the Turkish army - After the Obama administration to join the
ICBL voiced grave concern over Mine Ban Treaty, was delivered to
reports mentioning allegations of President Obama. The signatories
landmine use by the Turkish Army included 10 Republicans and two
(see press release from 19 April Independents, constituting more than
2010), Turkey said a military the two-thirds of the Senate needed to
investigation was underway and no ratify a treaty. In a statement Senator
comments could be made until the Patrick Leahy said: “… it would be a
investigation report was available. mistake to underestimate or devalue
www.icbl.org//intersessionals10 the positive reaction, practical effects
and depth of goodwill toward the
Central America first landmine- United States and our military that
free region of the world - On 22 would result from joining the treaty.”
June 2010, at the Standing Committee Representative James McGovern said:
on Mine Clearance for the Mine Ban “I have met with landmine survivors,
Treaty, Nicaragua officially announced including children, who were only
that it had completed clearance of all working their fields or walking to
known mined areas. This major school when they stepped on a
milestone has resulted in all of Central landmine. They are not victims, (…) –
America becoming a mine-free region. they are survivors and leaders in a
www.apminebanconvention.org/ global movement to ban this weapon
from all current and future arsenals.”
Lao PDR able to become party to He expressed his belief “that it is in
the MBT - On 21 June 2010, at the our best national and security interests
Standing Committee of the Mine Ban to join the Convention.”
Treaty, the Lao PDR stated: “We are
now in the process of consultation with Information provided by Zach Hudson,
all Ministries concerned to verify with USCBL Coordinator, Handicap
readiness to meet all obligations International US on HI US on 18 May
stated in the Ottawa Convention. We 2010 by mail to the ICBL.
are confident that, with all the efforts
we are undertaking and the support of More information and statements on:
the international community, the Lao http://www.icbl.org/index.php/icbl/con
PDR would be able to become party to tent/view/full/23295
http://www.handicap-international.us/

5

29 Nov –3 Dec: 10th Meeting of the States
Agenda: Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, Geneva,
Switzerland
November

24: Landmine Monitor Report 2010, Global
Release, Geneva, Switzerland

FOCUS ON VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
UNDER THE MBT

Victim Assistance: Needs
Assessment, Plans, Coordination Reports from the affected
Required States were quite encouraging
showing breakthroughs in
In its capacity of Co-Chair of implementing victim assistance.
the Standing Committee on Victim Several affected states reported new
Assistance and Socio-Economic developments in working out a
Reintegration of the MBT, Turkey national plan and budget, as for
wished “more clarity through a example from Afghanistan, Burundi,
comprehensive mapping concerning Cambodia, Colombia, DR Congo,
victim assistance”. The ICRC insisted Croatia, El Salvador, Senegal and
on “transparency on the part both of Thailand. Some states mentioned
donors and of stakeholders” and said explicitly how they tried to improve
that “Information can be shared, for coordination. Afghanistan stated that
example through a donor database or the “the establishment of an inter-
a donor review” (…). Referring to ministerial taskforce for people with
“Voices from the Ground”, a 2009 disabilities” was decreed and “two
study by Handicap International Regional Disability Stakeholders
Belgium, Austria stated: “This Coordination Groups in both the
systematic survey of survivors in Northern and Eastern regions” were
affected countries revealed once again established in order to integrate the
that there has been progress, in Cartagena Action Plan into the current
particular in the area of emergency policies, such as the Afghanistan
and continuing medical care, but only National Disability Action Plan”. Croatia
28% of the respondents believed that announced an inter-ministerial
overall services were better in 2009 meeting of a victim assistance
than in 2005.” Austria concluded: coordination group to develop the first
“much more needs to be done”. ICBL victim assistance plan with broad
recommended states with significant inter-ministerial support. Guinea
number of victims that “Victim Bissau reported on collaboration with
assistance should be identified as a disabled people’s organizations,
national priority”. The ICRC said “that Mozambique on the collaboration
without strong national ownership to between the National Institute for
lead efforts and without a strategy to Demining (IND) and the Network of
develop and/or strengthen national Mine Survivors (RAVIM) to identify and
capacities, assistance activities have assess the needs of survivors living in
little chance to become sustainable” rural areas near Maputo and Sudan on
and said that without “national a efforts to coordinate government and
coordinating body national efforts to civil society activities.
raise awareness are impeded.”

6

Several initiatives have been during the Intersessional Standing
undertaken to assess the needs of Committee Meetings in Geneva, some
survivors. Nicaragua mentioned that proposals were made to improve
the Ministry of Health is collecting data international cooperation in general.
on all services received by mine/ERW Zambia reiterated its proposal to
survivors. Senegal reported on a create a Standing Committee on
survey on the needs of civilian mine Resources to mitigate the needs of
survivors. Uganda reported that a affected States in particular, “as a
“Baseline Survey was conducted to forum where both affected States and
establish the needs of survivors, States in a position to assist would
service providers and services brainstorm on resource mobilization
available”. and utilization strategies”, as well as
Using this baseline “a Mine “an opportunity to exchange
Action Victim Assistance Project” and information”. This proposal was
“a training manual on psychosocial supported by the ICBL, the ICRC and
support” were developed in Uganda. In several other countries.
order “to expand” this project and Canada insisted on
“create a sense of national ownership, “coordination on the level of the
the government allocated additional contributing state to ensure that
funds for implementation of activities efforts by different agencies are
for landmine survivors and other consistent, synergistic and mutually
persons with disabilities.” However, reinforcing” and stated: “Coordination
Uganda admitted that “there is still must be within countries, inter-
more to do to reach all landmine ministerial as well as international.
survivors; hence the need to request States should work together to
for more support from the donor maximize the combined effectiveness
community.” Peru stated similarly that of assistance efforts. It is also relevant
the government managed “to allocate to consider that multilateral and
more funds for disability but that bilateral actions and initiatives might
nevertheless the public funding be supplemented by plurilateral
wouldn’t be sufficient”. cooperation among groups of
Despite the availability of interested states.”
disability services in all provinces, Affected states called on donor
Cambodia admitted that challenges states to take into account their needs
remain such as the inaccessibility of and principles. Cambodia expressed
public buildings, transport etc., a low the hope that “ALL donors to
national budget allocation for the Cambodia will commit to the
disability sector, lack of human “Partnership Principles for the
resources, technical an financial implementation of the National Mine
capacity to fully respond to the needs, Action Strategy” drafted by the
unreliable disability statistics, limited government”, and “increase alignment
inclusion of disability into existing and harmonization of their assistance
programs and services and a limited to the needs of the sector.”
national coordination mechanism. This Afghanistan asked to allow the
list is generally representative for national governments to play a role in
many affected states. determining needs and to assist
“donors in targeting the priorities of
Suggestions for More Efficient the country”.
International Cooperation Thailand stated that
cooperation and assistance may be in-
During a special session on kind instead of financial, and can also
International Cooperation and arise in the South-South context. To
Assistance held on 25 June 2010 ensure efficient use of limited

7

resources, Thailand proposed that in Geneva, where States Parties
States Parties in need of assistance in reported on developments and
similar areas may work together with challenges in implementing victim
donor countries or agencies to form a assistance under the Cartagena Action
group, aimed at collectively sharing Plan, adopted during the Second
experiences and expertise or training. Review Conference of the Mine Ban
Treaty in December 2009 in
More on the Intersessional Standing Cartagena, Colombia.
Committee Session on Victim
Assistance and Socio-Economic www.apminebanconvention.org/interse
Reintegration of the Mine Ban Treaty ssional-work-programme/june-2010/
was held on 21-24 June 2010, Summary and ICBL statements:
together with a parallel program for www.icbl.org/index.php/icbl/Library/N
Victim Assistance Experts on 22-23 ews-Articles/intersessionals10
June and a special session on
Cooperation and Assistance on 25 June

CONVENTION ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS (CCM)

For an update on the Status of the More information on the First Meeting of
Mine Ban Treaty: States Parties in Vientiane:
http://treaties.un.org/pages/Treaties.a
spx?id=26&subid=A&lang=en and www.ccm1msplaos.la
www.stopclustermunitions.org/treatyst www.clusterconvention.org; www.unog.ch/;
atus http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/1msp/

The First Meeting of States Parties CMC Statement at the UN - In a
(1MSP) will be held in Laos PDR on 9- statement to the First Committee of the
12 November 2010. At a preparatory United Nations General Assembly on 25
meeting, held on 6 September in October 2010 in New York, the CMC gave
Geneva, UNDP reported on the “Trust two messages: first ‘get on board’ and
Fund for the Full Implementation of second ‘deliver results’. “We say ‘get on
the Convention on Cluster Munitions in board’ to those who have signed, but not
yet ratified the Convention; to those who
the Lao PDR within the framework of
have not yet signed or acceded; but also to
the Vientiane Declaration on Aid
those who have joined the Convention to
Effectiveness” and announced that so
reach out to and convince other countries to
far only 5 donors have provided funds get on board and join the Convention. (…)
(mostly for the First Meeting of States In particular we urge affected states such as
Parties) US$ 2,2m (Australia), 0.09m Cambodia and Vietnam, Serbia and
(Canada), 0.06m (France), 1.8m (US) Tajikistan to join the Convention so that you
and 3m (Switzerland). The formulation can share your experiences and expertise
of the Vientiane Action Plan (VAP) and with other affected countries and begin to
the Vientiane Declaration was reap the benefits of the Convention’s
welcomed, although both documents humanitarian provisions. We say ‘deliver
require further work. The reporting results now’ because this is the primary
format, presented by Belgium, Friend purpose of the CCM (…) The treaty was not
of the Chair on Reporting, was established to manage the status quo of
welcomed by States Parties and the clearance, victim assistance and
CMC was pleased with the level of international cooperation that is already
detail. Field trips will be organized going on, in particular in the context of the
before and during the Conference. Mine Ban Treaty. The CCM requires new
action, more work, increased resources and
improved lives. For States Parties affected

8

by cluster munitions, the Convention Montenegro destroyed cluster
demands that we see positive change for munitions stockpiles - Montenegro
individuals and communities. At the 1MSP, announced at the Event in New York
we expect to see plans set out by affected that two weeks ago, Montenegro
States Parties to accelerate clearance work destroyed its remaining 353 cluster
and to expand the coverage of services to bombs, thereby concluding its process
victims and survivors. We expect States of stockpile destruction well ahead of
Parties in a position to provide assistance to
the treaty deadline. It said it was
set out their intention to support these plans
ready to share its experience.
with additional resources.”

Special Event on the CCM at the
Belgium’s stockpiles of cluster
UN - On 19 October the Lao People’s
munitions destroyed - In a Press
Democratic Republic and Japan hosted
Release issued on 14 September 2010,
a special event on the Convention on
the Belgian Ministry of Defense
Cluster Munitions (CCM) in New York
announced “the complete destruction
during the UN General Assembly’s First
of its entire stockpile of submunitions
Committee on Disarmament and
in early August 2010”. Belgium was
International Security. 45 countries
the first country in the world to ban
participated in the event including 13
cluster munitions and it has lived up to
non signatories. The panel consisted of
its commitment to destroy its
the Deputy Secretary-General of the
stockpiles within the eight years
UN, the Ambassador, Permanent
foreseen. The Ministry of Defense
Representative of the Lao PDR,
further pointed out that this “hereby
Ambassador, Permanent
shows its determination to live up to
Representative of Japan and the Head
the commitments of the Oslo Treaty.
of the ICRC Delegation to the United
Moreover, our country plays an active
Nations in New York as well as the
role in the Universalization of the
coordinator of the Cluster Munition
treaty and in the finalization of a
Coalition. The Deputy Secretary-
reporting format in order to work as
General stated that the entry into
transparently as possible.”
force demonstrated the world’s
www.mil.be/perscom/index.asp?LAN=
collective revulsion to the impact of
nl&id=1556
cluster munitions. She recognized the
role of civil society and of mine action
Entry into Force of the CCM
workers and called on all states to
Munitions on 1 August 2010 - On 1
ratify or accede the Convention on
August 2010, the date of the entry
Cluster Munitions without delay.
into force of the Convention on Cluster
Munitions, a number of governments
Princess Astrid of Belgium
spoke out in support of the CCM, as
participating in the First Meeting
well as the UN Secretary General,
of States Parties – The Belgian
various international organisations, the
Ambassador announced at the Event
Cluster Munition Coalition and
on 19 October that the Belgian
survivors and their organisations from
delegation in Laos will be led by
all over the world. “The entry into
Princess Astrid “in order to show our
force in little more than two years
continuing commitment” and added
since its adoption, highlights,”
that Belgium will spare no efforts
according to the UN Secretary General,
through its membership of EU, NATO
“not only the world's collective
and OSCE to universalize the
revulsion at these abhorrent weapons,
Convention.
but also the power of collaboration
among Governments, civil society and
the United Nations to change attitudes

9

and policies on a threat faced by all do?type=MOTION&reference=P7-RC-
humankind. Such cooperation will be 2010-
crucial as we seek now to implement 0413&format=XML&language=EN
the Convention, including through www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/
assistance to victims.” On 30 July infopress_page/031-78063-186-07-
2010 he encouraged all Member States 28-903-20100707IPR78062-05-07-
to participate in the First Meeting of 2010-2010-false/default_en.htm
States Parties in November 2010 in
the Lao PDR “to demonstrate their Recommendation on a “Ban on
support for the Convention” and he cluster munitions” by the
called on “those States which have yet European Council – On 7 July 2010,
to accede to the Convention, to do so the Council of Europe adopted a
without delay.” recommendation on a “Ban on cluster
www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid= munitions”. Only the Russian
4697 Federation raised objections, but it
remained isolated. The Russian
Thailand considering becoming a Federation declared “to be available to
state party to the CCM - On 18 continue its work on humanitarian
August 2010, the Ambassador and issues related to the use of cluster
Permanent Representative of Thailand munitions under the United Nations
to the UN in Geneva wrote in a letter within the framework set by the
to the Team Leader of the Security Geneva process [CCW].” The
and Disarmament Department of IKV recommendation was initiated and
Pax Christi in the Netherlands “that promoted by the Belgian government.
the relevant Thai authorities are From the 47 Council of Europe
currently in the process of considering members states Greece, Turkey,
the possibility of becoming a party to Finland, Poland, Estonia, Slovakia,
the Convention.” Romania, Andorra, Latvia, Ukraine,
Letter provided by IKV Pax Christi to Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan,
the CMC on 24 August 2010 by email. Serbia, and Monaco, have not signed
the CCM. The recommendation also
Resolution on the CCM by the notes that “a large number of Council
European Parliament - On 8 July of Europe member states have either
2010, the European Parliament passed ratified or signed the Convention and
a resolution calling on European Union encourages all member states which
member states to urgently sign and have not yet done so to sign and ratify
ratify the Convention on Cluster as soon as possible.”
Munitions and to participate in the
First Meeting of States Parties. 20 out See for the text
of 27 EU member states have signed (CM/AS(2010)Rec1871) and the
the Convention. The seven that have decision
not yet signed are: Estonia, Finland, (CM/Del/Dec(2010)1090/10.7):
Greece, Latvia, Poland, Romania and http://www.coe.int/T/CM/home_en.as
Slovakia. The resolution was adopted p
by an overwhelming majority of 558
votes to 30 (mainly from Finnish and Keeping up a sense of urgency - At
Polish Members of the European the global conference on the CCM from
Parliament), with 24 abstentions 7-9 June in Santiago, organized by the
(mainly from Romanian Members of government of Chile in collaboration
the European Parliament). with Norway and UNDP, the CMC and
the Ban Advocates urged all the 13
More on: non-signatory states present, including
www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc. Argentina, Thailand and Vietnam as

10

well as absent Brazil to join the pace for the implementation of the
Convention. States expressed their CCM” and send “high level
willingness to intensify efforts to reach representation” to the 1MSP in Laos.
out to non-signatories and provide “There is need for more State Parties
assistance for signatories to ratify. to participate fully in the 1MSP. This
Japan, as Friend of the President on requires more ratifications as soon as
Universalization reported on its possible.” CMC reminded everyone
Universalisation activities which that Africa has helped keep the focus
included sending letters in on the humanitarian suffering and the
collaboration with the CMC. Lao PDR need to respond to it. It has kept the
proposed that the President of the bar high in ensuring that the CCM was
1MSP could appoint a special envoy to the strongest possible Convention that
visit non-signatory countries that have could be achieved and went on to say
expressed objections to signing the that it expected Africa to play the
Convention. New Zealand, Australia same role at the 1MSP. Ban Advocate,
and Botswana supported this initiative. Berihu Mesele from Ethiopia called on
The CMC said that “The future culture his country to sign and ratify the CCM
and climate of the Convention should and posed the question: “Why only 38
be based on the highly touted African countries signed and only 6
partnership of governments and civil ratified the CCM?” From his own
society that brought it about”, “on experience, he pointed out how many
openness and flexibility, and a challenges still remain in the field of
willingness on occasion to step outside victim assistance concerning physical
of traditional diplomatic boundaries rehabilitation, economic integration
and practices” and “on prioritization of and psychological support. In the
and focus on the humanitarian impact perspective of its role as Friend of the
of the work.” The CMC reminded Chair on Reporting to the Vientiane
everyone that “urgency” has been a conference, Belgium presented lessons
catch-word of the Oslo Process, and learnt on national reporting under the
stressed on keeping up that “sense of MBT for the CCM including the need for
urgency”. training, improvements in data
collection, and assistance. CMC noted
More information: that “fundamentally the gathering and
www.minrel.gov.cl/prontus_minrel/site sharing of information is key to
/artic/20090811/pags/2009081109292 providing good services to citizens and
1.php enhancing international cooperation.”
www.stopclustermunitions.org/chile/
More information on The Africa
“Competent and concerted African Regional Conference on the
effort” - The State Secretary of Universalization and Implementation
Norway stated at the Africa Regional of the Convention on Cluster Munitions
Conference on the Universalization and on 25-26 March 2010 in Pretoria,
Implementation of the CCM on 25-26 South Africa, attended by 31 African
March 2010 in Pretoria, South Africa, states/regions:
that the CCM “would have been http://clustermunitionspretoria.blogsp
weaker in all key areas without the ot.com/
competent and concerted African http://www.regjeringen.no/en/search.
effort” and added that “Now our html?quicksearch=Africa+Conference+
common challenge is to make sure on+Cluster+Munitions
that the obligations set out in the http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/n
Convention are translated into reality ews/?id=2168
on the ground.” Malawi expected
African States “to set an ambitious

11

“Ban on cluster bombs will have
financial implications for Slovakia” - US use of cluster munitions in Yemen?
Radio Slovakia International announced on – On 7 June 2010, Amnesty International
3 August 2010 “that the Slovak Defence released images of a US-manufactured
Ministry recommends that Slovakia take Tomahawk cruise missile that carried
part in the International Convention on cluster submunitions, apparently taken
Cluster Munitions (…), but only when the following an attack on an alleged al-Qaeda
country is able to meet the commitments training camp in the community of al-
included in it.” Ma'jalah in the Abyan area in the south of
http://www.rozhlas.sk/inetportal/rsi/pages Yemen. On 8 June, the CMC called on the
/printClanok.php?clanokID=31506&lang=2 United States to confirm or deny the
reported use of US-manufactured cluster
“Azerbaijan cannot join the munitions in Yemen and condemned “any
Convention on Cluster Munitions now”, use of cluster munitions anywhere by any
the Foreign Ministry arms control actor.” Neither the US nor Yemen have
department specialist said during a round- signed the treaty.
table-meeting organized by the Azerbaijani www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-
campaign against mines, Trend reported updates/yemen-images-missile-and-
on 2 August 2010, because "Azerbaijani cluster-munitions-point-us-role-fatal-
territories - Nagorno-Karabakh and seven attack-2010-06-04
surrounding regions, are under
occupation.” Cambodia: Victim Assistance part of
http://en.trend.az/news/karabakh/172976 Millennium Development Goals –
4.html According to the Resident Coordinator in of
the United Nations Development
Oslo Process an example for UN Programme in Cambodia “The Cambodian
Disarmament Negotiations – Associated Millennium Development Goals include one
Press wrote on 21 July 2010, that the UN that is unique to this country. The
Secretary General invited ministers from government recognized that land mines
the UN member states to a meeting in and UXO present significant challenges to
September “to revitalize UN disarmament poverty reduction and added to their goals
negotiations which have been deadlocked CMDG9: landmines, UXO and victim
for more than a dozen years,” UN officials assistance”, so reported the Phnom Penh
said and added: “Recent treaties on land Post on 28 May 2010. Referring to the
mines and cluster munitions, for example, Convention on Cluster Munitions, the UN
were negotiated outside the Geneva-based official added: “We stand ready to provide
conference to bypass the bottleneck.” assistance to Cambodia to facilitate its
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story. entry as signatory to the convention.”
php?storyId=128681871 www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2010
052839348/National-news/lessons-from-a-
Cambodia still studying CCM - On 10 violent-past.html
June 2010, the Phnom Penh Post quoted a
statement by Handicap International
saying “As a highly affected country, Agenda
Cambodia knows the devastating effects of
cluster munition use on families.” November
According to the Cambodian Mine Action
Authority the government still plans to sign 1: Cluster Munition Monitor Report
the CCM, but “must first study its
2010, Global Release, Bangkok,
implications”. According to the newspaper,
the Defense Minister said: “We will sign in
Thailand
the future. Now we need to protect our 9-12: First Meeting of States Parties to
country and our souvereignity first from the Convention on Cluster Munitions,
other countries like Thailand, which has Vientiane, Lao PDR
border problems with us.”
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.ph
p/2010061039627/National-news/clock- December 2010
ticking-on-approval-of-cluster-ban.html

12

3: Anniversary of the Convention on
Cluster Munitions Signing Conference

FOCUS ON VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
UNDER THE CCM
affected states themselves to help
Suggestions for the Vientiane bring all forms of resources and
Action Plan on Victim Assistance expertise together.” In that sense,
Handicap International organized a 2-
On 6 September 2010, during the part regional victim assistance
preparatory meeting in Geneva for the workshop in Amman, Jordan, on 25
First Meeting of States Parties (1MSP) and 26 May, one for civil society and
the CMC stated that all actions should service providers, including survivors
be time-bound and measurable. and disability advocates, and the other
According to the ICRC, States should for including government
present their plans for the extension of representatives, donors and embassy
their capacities for the implementation staff. Most countries in the region have
of victim assistance and donor states yet to develop National Action Plans on
should come up with concrete victim assistance. Given the increased
commitments for its funding. ICRC focus on action planning following the
stressed the need for tangible benefits adoption of the Cartagena Action Plan,
in 2011. the aim was to support national level
processes for victim assistance action
Participatory discussion amongst planning by multi-stakeholder
campaigners and focal points committees in the following countries:
Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, the
On 13 June 2010 in Santiago, the ICBL occupied Palestinian Territories and
and CMC jointly organized a Victim Yemen. Presentations and more
Assistance Workshop in response to interactive sessions brought increased
the questions and needs identified by clarity on the need for national action
Victim Assistance Focal Points in order plans and on items to be pursued in-
to better equip them to be effective in country.
their work. Many Focal Points, Information provided by Elke
survivors and campaigners gave Hottentot, Victim Assistance Technical
presentations and participated actively Advisor, Handicap International
in discussions on synergies between Switzerland.
MBT, CCM and CRPD, monitoring,
inclusive development, creating The way from Process to Progress
awareness, fundraising for Victim on Victim Assistance
Assistance and the Vientiane Action
Plan. The President of the Cartagena
www.icbl.org/index.php/icbl/Library/N Summit on the MBT said at the Vienna
ews-Articles/intersessionals10/va Expert Conference on Victim
Assistance on 8-9 April 2010 “that a
Civil society as a bridge between large number of victims have seen too
donors and affected states little or even no progress in their
lives”, “as was demonstrated through
As a CMC campaigner from Lebanon Handicap International’s report Voices
said at the Santiago Conference in from the Ground”. “This situation is
June: “Civil society can also act unacceptable, and compels us to do
effectively as a bridge between donors more to achieve our goals. As we
and affected states and among move ahead, our focus should be on

13

applying the common understandings Survivor Corps agreed “that
that have been established for the process-related progress is important,
immediate benefit of survivors, rather but there must also be focus on results
than on continued discussions and showing the concrete impact on
amongst diplomats on words and the lives of survivors” and added that
phrases. This participative approach “Collecting relevant data to make an
must not only be continued, but appropriate needs assessment is
enhanced and improved. We have to essential” and is also key to make sure
make sure that the views of all that the impact of victimization is
survivors – regardless of gender or assessed comprehensively, and not
age – are heard and respected, and only the impact on an individual, but
that their effective inclusion in also the family and community.”
decision-making processes is Survivor participation must also be
ensured.” According to the Cartagena “meaningful”, which means that the
Action Plan “a holistic and integrated interests of survivors are represented
approach to victim assistance must be in any document, instrument and
pursued” and “The full, non- efforts that affect their lives and where
discriminatory and inclusive their participation is facilitated.”
reintegration of survivors into their The Director of CMC Austria
communities and into social, cultural stressed the fact that “So far, financial
and economic spheres of societies resources available for victim
must be ensured by central and local assistance programmes have been
government.” insufficient” and that for instance
The ICBL recognized that “Enough funding must be available for
“process” activities such as developing unique initiatives such as that of the
laws, policies, coordination, tools, Ban Advocates (…).” She said that
action plans and establishing the testimonies from several diplomats
structures necessary to support and negotiators indicate that the
national implementation of victim passionate lobbying efforts undertaken
assistance” have been “extremely by the Ban Advocates on individual
important” and process “is visible in states have had a powerful impact on
most of the affected countries.” changing national policy in many
However improvements on “process” individual states. Victims and field-
do not always and immediately lead to based organizations working in
progress on the ground, and our next affected states usually know what is
steps should focus on how to use really happening on the ground.” She
these new structures to improve the added that the “effective cooperation
daily lives of survivors. In addition, the between survivors and field-based
States Parties have accepted the organizations in advocacy and media
importance of a social model and work should continue globally. The
rights based approach in victim benefit of direct experience of victims
assistance, but they have not been and field staff makes the CMC a
able to convert the theory into natural partner of governments in
practice. They continued to focus their meeting their obligations under the
main attention on medical and CCM to collect reliable data and assess
rehabilitation issues rather than the needs of cluster munition victims.
applying victim assistance as the It is no coincidence that the Oslo
holistic process that has been Process has often been referred to as
committed to in theory. We have to data-driven, as it was civil society that
keep the pressing needs of survivors in documented humanitarian evidence on
mind when implementing the action the consequences of cluster munitions.
plan.” Assessing the status quo on victim
assistance implementation has proved

14

to be essential for identifying ongoing from governments, UN, ICRC, CMC
challenges and elaborating new and and ICBL, as well as survivor.
effective action plans for the future.
And it will remain essential in the Use and Reinforce Existing
future, as States Parties to the CCM Capacities in Affected States
will need to agree on a roadmap for
implementation at the First Meeting of At the Victim Assistance Session of the
States The coordinator of the CMC Pretoria Conference in March 2010,
said: “It is our job to bridge the all too the Director of the Uganda Landmine
often gaping divide between policy Survivors Association, Margaret Arach
discussions and action where it is Orech, called on all states in Africa to
needed in affected communities. Good join the global community, and sign
work has been done of course, but the and ratify the Convention on Cluster
message, we in the NGO community Munitions. “Ratifying the CCM, and
are getting is that much more is beginning its implementation,
needed. Victim assistance is an including in the area of victim
example of how the CCM can be assistance is also a way to generate
beneficial to states and their citizens greater resources and cooperation for
and that it can be done.” implementation of a number of other
Dejan Dicic, a cluster munition obligations that states have under
survivor and Ban Advocate from Niš in international law.”
Serbia draw the attention “to the She admitted that “the low
limited resources of the affected pace of ratification by African states is
states, to the large imbalance of quite disturbing” and added:
economic potential between “especially as the onus for victim
disadvantages regions and developed assistance rests on them. This may
regions within affected states and the limit immediate implementation, which
number of layers between is quite vital if we are to see any
national/international donors on the changes and improvements in the
one hand and victims or their families quality of the lives of survivors.” As a
on the other hand.” landmine survivor herself, she said
The Senior Advisor and Team that survivors still wait for their states
Leader on Armed Violence, Mine Action to take up responsibility where
and Small Arms, UNDP noted that necessary and reinforce existing
“While the Millennium Development efforts for a better provision of victim
Goals (MDG) are specifically designed assistance.” She called on “all
to address the needs of the xorld’s governments to take advantage of the
poorest citizens and the world’s most resources that exist in their
marginalized populations there are communities” and asked them to
actually no references to persons with “actively empower survivors and their
disabilities either in the MDGs representative groups to participate in
themselves or in the accompanying the social, economic and political
body of guidelines and policies.” sector of their community and the
country.”
The Vienna Expert Conference on She stressed the “need for
Victim Assistance, an informal expert continuing medical care, especially to
meeting, was held from 8-9 April 2010 survivors in remote areas” and noted
in Vienna, was a joint initiative of the that “governments can through their
Austrian Ministry of Defence and the focal points on victim assistance reach
Ministry for European and out to survivors through the
International Affairs and gathered community based rehabilitation
over 70 participants and panellists approach and ensure that they are
able to access the available services

15

for medical care as well as for just as important as the amount of
rehabilitation.” Services to support funds available.” She admitted: “We
survivors to overcome long-term must to a much larger degree
psychological trauma are lacking or recognise the competence that exists
are not easily accessible in most in affected States” and referred to
communities. Therefore, she national expertise built up in Africa.
suggested that more resources should She concluded that “International
be put toward the training of more cooperation must be structured in a
“counselors as well as the survivors way that supports national ownership
themselves to provide peer rather than undermines it.”
counseling.” The CMC called on African
The Deputy Head of the states to foster South-South
Norwegian Mission in Pretoria stated cooperation in the sharing of best
that to “maintain dedicated funding, practices as “the hallmark of the
the use of resources is equally as implementation of the CCM” and in
important as fundraising” and creating a common framework at
emphasized “the importance of regional, sub-regional, and regional
building national capacity and sharing levels using groupings such as SADC,
national expertise developed in ECOWAS, and the African Union.”
affected states with others, along with
time-bound targeted strategic http://clustermunitionspretoria.blogsp
partnerships at the regional and sub- ot.com/
regional levels. She recognized “that Statement by the Director of the
survivors and other victims do not Uganda Landmine Survivors
receive the assistance they are entitled Association at: www.handicap-
to.” But achieving the aims (…) is not international.be
only about raising and spending more
money (…) How resources are spent is

FOCUS ON THE BAN ADVOCATES

Ban Advocates celebrate the Entry the Convention at a press conference
into Force of the CCM on 1 August in Brussels on 30 July 2010.
2010
Cambodia: Activities in Siem Reap,
Ban Advocates called on states to join Cambodia included a survivor seminar.
the CCM and launched worldwide the The Cambodian Ban Advocate Yoeun
film “Ban Advocates: from Victims to Sam En was interviewed during the 1
Champions” directed by Chris August event in Phnom Penh.
Anderson.
Croatia: In Croatia, the government
Afghanistan: In Afghanistan, survivors and civil society organized an event in
were included in media outreach. Zagreb, which included risk education
performances for children and issued a
Albania: The Albanian Ban Advocate press release.
Ardjana Mani called on the
government to work on quick Ethiopia: The Ethiopian Ban Advocates
implementation of the Convention and Aynalem Zenebe and Berihu Mesele
to prioritize victim assistance. called on their government to join the
treaty during an event at the Mekele
Belgium: Sladjan and Dusica Vučković Ayder School that was bombed by
from Serbia called on Serbia to join cluster munitions in 1998. The film by

16

Chris Anderson was launched in CCM to their 600 members and
Mekele and Addis Ababa. communities.

Laos PDR: Ban Advocates from all over More:
the Lao PDR were highly involved in http://blog.banadvocates.org/
the 1 August celebrations in Vientiane. http://www.august1.org/events
The film can be found on:
Thailand: The Laotian Ban Advocate http://blog.banadvocates.org/index.ph
Thoummy Silampan participated in the p?post/2010/07/30/Film-The-Ban-
Round Table Discussion, organized by Advocates%3A-From-Victims-to-
the Foreign Ministry of Thailand in Champions
cooperation with ICRC in Bangkok on
29-30 July 2010, with the participation Laos Training – In anticipation of the
of the Defence Ministry and other Thai First Meeting of States Parties in Lao
government agencies, Australia, PDR, the Lao Ban Advocates came to
Germany, Japan, Laos, the UN, the Vientiane from their villages to
CMC and the GICHD. participate in an advocacy Refresher
Workshop (the first workshop was held
Tajikistan: During a Round Table on 3 in January 2010) from 26-27 July
August, Umarbek Pulodov, Ban 2010. They discussed the CCM and
Advocate from Tajikistan, expressed how the convention will affect
his hope that the Tajik government survivors and affected communities.
would join the Convention during a They practiced dealing with journalists
Round Table on 3 August, attended by and working with government
representatives of the Presidential representatives.
Administration, the Justice, Foreign
and Defense Ministries the Mine Action Training: from survivors to Ban
Centre, local NGOs and the media as Advocates - The Tajik Campaign to
well as landmine and cluster munitions Ban Landmines, with the support of
survivors. Umarbek Pulodov as Ban Advocate,
organized an “Advocacy & Awareness
US: Lynn Bradach, whose son was Raising Training for the Cluster
killed in Iraq while clearing cluster Munition and Landmine Survivors”
munitions, called on the U.S. to attend from 30 July to 4 August 2010. The
the First Meeting of States Parties to main objective of this training was to
the CCM in Laos and to “work with have new Tajik Ban Advocates in
other countries to make sure this Tajikistan to urge the government to
weapon is banned globally once and sign and ratify the CCM as soon as
for all.” possible, preferably before the first
meeting of states parties in November
Serbia: Branislav Kapetanović urged in Lao PDR. They spoke about
the Serbian government to sign during synergies and differences between the
a TV show in Serbia on the entry into CCM, the MBT and the CRPD; the
force of the CCM. rights of persons with disabilities in
Tajikistan; and received media
training.
Vietnam: In Vietnam, survivors and
campaigners issued a joint statement
Ban Bus Tour in Tajikistan - Ban
to welcome entry into force of the
Convention. A meeting was organized Advocate, Umarbek Pulodov, was
with representatives from 20 self-help involved in a Ban Bus Tour around
groups of survivors, who then affected regions of Tajikistan to inform
disseminated information about the the communities about the CCM. The

17

Bus Tour was also planned to raise Speaking from his experience in his
awareness of people in remote own country, he said: “If we look at a
affected regions and locations and to map of Serbia we see that CM and LM
help them raise their voices in order to victims were mostly from the least
urge the Government of Tajikistan to developed, rural regions within Serbia
join the Convention on Cluster itself. After the war events in the
Munitions. Balkans, from the economically
prosperous region of Niš, today Niš is
Call on states to involve survivors the most underdeveloped region in
– At the Santiago Conference, Ban Serbia.” He also spoke about the role
Advocates from Lao and Afghanistan of other family members to resolve the
called on states to involve survivors in most basic questions of survival and
the implementation of the Vientiane living conditions.” “The monthly
Action Plan. “We, as survivors, need to income of a family in southern Serbia
be involved. We know what the real is still up to 10 times less than the
needs of the victims are. Support has income in the north of Serbia. That's
to be based on our needs. Concrete why there is a particular need for
assistance is urgently needed now, Victim Assistance in rural areas and he
and for many years to come,” Bounmy added: “The role of NGOs can be
Vijak, Ban Advocate from Lao PDR, crucial in training the victims and
said. “Cluster bomb survivors were a educating them how to approach
driving force behind the successful donors, national or international.”
treaty negotiations, and we now call
on states to make sure victims are Ban Advocates Film adapted for
fully included in all aspects of bringing aurally and visually disabled
the Convention into practice,” said persons - The Film “The Ban
Soraj Ghulam Habib, a 19-year-old Advocates: From Victims to
Afghan cluster munition survivor and Champions” directed by Chris
Ban Advocate on behalf of the CMC. Anderson, has been made accessible
“The more support we have from to Dutch-language aurally and visually
governments to rebuild our lives, the disabled persons by “Platform
stronger we will become.” Handicap en
Ontwikkelingssamenwerking” (PHOS)
Advocating at Amman Workshop in cooperation with the organization
on Victim Assistance - Raed “Fevlado” and “Licht en Liefde” with
Mokaled, who lost his 5-year old son the support of the Flemish
through a cluster munition explosion, government. The adapted
shared his experience during a documentary can be obtained from
Workshop on Victim Assistance in Handicap International and PHOS.
Amman.
More information:
www.banadvocates.org
Speaking as an expert - Dejan Dicic,
www.handicap-international.org
Ban Advocate from Niš in Serbia,
www.phos.be
participated in the Vienna Expert-
Meeting on Victim Assistance.

FOCUS ON INVESTEMENTS IN MINES AND CLUSTER MUNITIONS
Luxembourg, reported that a Member
Luxembourg Compensation Fund of Parliament accused the public
for the Social Security will “Fonds de compensation de la Sécurité
disinvest - On 18 August 2010 the sociale” of financing enterprises
newspaper “Le Quotidien” from

18

producing cluster munitions. On 20 International Belgium and by
August, the enterprise said it would landmine.de www.dw-
stop investing in enterprises linked world.de/dw/article/0,,5891121,00.ht
with cluster munitions. Handicap ml
International said an official black list
of cluster munition producers is Japan banks ban financing cluster
dramatically missing. arms - On 30 July 2010, AFP reported
Information provided by Handicap that Japan's three largest banks would
International Luxembourg to Handicap refrain from financing the manufacture
International Belgium on 20 August of cluster bombs. Sumitomo Mitsui
2010 Financial Group (SMFG), Mitsubishi UFJ
http://www.lequotidien.lu/index.php/p Financial Group (MUFG) and Mizuho
olitique-et-societe/14502-Des- Bank said they had stated in their
pensions-explosives.html regulations they would deny loans and
http://www.lequotidien.lu/index.php/p investments for the productions of
olitique-et-societe/14530-Maintenant- cluster munitions.
faut-ragir.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-
news-world/japan-banks-ban-
Germany criticised for buying body financing-cluster-arms-20100730-
scanner from cluster munitions 10zkw.html
producer – “Germany's interior
ministry is facing criticism for buying France prohibits financing of
airport body scanners from the producers of cluster munitions -
subsidiary of a US company known to On 8 July 2010, France announced
produce internationally banned cluster that direct and indirect financing of the
munitions,” Deutsche Welle, as well as production or trade of cluster
other media, reported on 11 August munitions is forbidden by French law.
2010, referring to two full-body On the occasion of the debate on the
scanners to be used for tests at national implementation law of the
Hamburg airport in September from a Oslo Convention in the French
subsidiary of the US L3 parliament, the government officially
Communications company, declared that "any knowingly direct or
which according to a survey by the IKV indirect financial assistance, to a
PAX Christi aid organization, is a manufacturing or trading activity of
producer of cluster ammunition. cluster munitions would be considered
Handicap International Germany as an assistance, encouragement or
accused the government in Berlin of inducement falling within the scope of
double standards. “You simply weaken criminal law". This declaration is the
the treaty prohibiting cluster munitions first statement in France specifying the
if you pursue such business activities," prohibition of assistance stipulated by
the director told Deutsche Welle. The the Oslo Convention, and incorporated
German organization landmine.de in the law.
pressure group called on the Information provided to the CMC by
government “to renounce such deals Handicap International France on 7
immediately." According to Handicap July 2010
International Germany, the The minutes of the plenary session of
government replied that “this is only a the National Assembly
test phase, we don’t buy the on:www.assemblee-nationale.fr
appliances at this stage. If it comes to More information on www.amnesty.fr
a bigger order, we will apply the usual and www.handicap-international.fr
tender procedures”.
Information provided by Handicap Dutch financial institutions called
International Germany to Handicap on government to prohibit

19

investments in cluster munitions - month to exclude such firms from its
The Dutch Bank ASN called on the actively managed Swiss and
House of Representatives in the Luxembourg funds”, a spokeswoman
Netherlands to support the proposal on said.
a prohibition on investments in cluster Information provided by Handicap
munitions. “It is incomprehensible to International Switzerland on 11 May
ratify the treaty and leave space to 2010.
invest in this sector”, the Bank said on http://xsltm8.finance.sp2.yahoo.com/
2 July 2010. The call follows after two news/Swiss-bank-UBS-divests-from-
main Dutch pension funds (APG and apf-2565382271.html?x=0
MN Services) publically expressed a
similar call to the Dutch government Financial institutions continue to
earlier this year to install a prohibition invest in cluster munition
on direct investments in cluster producers - IKV Pax Christi
munitions. On 8 December 2009, the (Netherlands) and Netwerk Vlaanderen
Dutch House of Representatives (Belgium) launched an update to their
adopted a motion to prohibit October 2009 report, “Worldwide
investments in cluster munitions. investments in cluster munitions – a
However, on 31 March 2010, the shared responsibility”, in Geneva on
Dutch Minister of Finance and Minister 14 April 2010. The report revealed
of Social Affairs decided not to that “The world’s top financial
implement the motion. Information institutions continue to finance the
provided by IKV/Pax Christi to following seven leading producers of
Handicap International Belgium cluster bombs and cluster bomb
components: Alliant Techsystems
www.asnbank.nl/index.asp?NID=1078 (USA), Hanwha (South Korea), L-3
3 Communications (USA), Lockheed
http://www.mn- Martin (USA) Poongsan (South Korea),
services.nl/portal/page?_pageid=136, Singapore Technologies Engineering
3554504&_dad=portal&_schema=POR (Singapore) and Textron (USA).”
TAL&p_item_id=6107199
www.stopexplosiveinvestments.org/re
UBS AG excluded investments in port
cluster munition producers - “UBS www.ikvpaxchristi.nl/UK/below_thema
AG has pulled its investments from tic_security_and_disarmament_cluster
companies that manufacture cluster _munition_home_stop_explosive_inve
bombs, the Swiss bank said on 10 May stments.htm
2010”, Associated Press in Zurich www.netwerkvlaanderen.be
reported. “UBS Global Asset
Management took a policy decision last

CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

For an update on the Status of the Agenda
CRPD:
www.un.org/disabilities/ December 2010
3: International Day of Persons with
Spain submitted its initial report to Disabilities: "Keeping the promise:
the CRPD Committee - On 3 May, Mainstreaming disability in the
Spain submitted its initial report on its Millennium Development Goals
implementation of the CRPD to the towards 2015 and beyond"
Committee on the CRPD. It is the first
country to submit its report.

20

RECENT ARTICLES, BLOGS, PUBLICATIONS, SITES, VIDEOS

“Assistance, Advocacy, Access” a project “Fulfilling the Ban: Guidelines for Effective
mapping victim assistance in Serbia, June National Legislation to Implement the
2010, by the website of AAA-S, Serbia. Convention on Cluster Munitions.” New
http://www.ppps.org.rs legal analysis paper of Human Rights.
www.hrw.org/node/90721.
“Ban Advocates: from Victims to Champions”,
a film directed by Chris Anderson, globally “Implementing the Convention on Cluster
launched on 1 August 2010, from Handicap Munitions,” Disarmament Forum 2010 no.
International Belgium, shows how Ban 1, examines what will be required to
Advocates from different countries played a implement some of the humanitarian and
crucial role in the process towards a global ban development commitments of the
on cluster munitions andremain committed to Convention.
take responsibility in the implementation of the www.unidir.ch/bdd/fiche-
convention. periodique.php?ref_periodique=1020-
Available online at www.handicap-international.be, 7287-2010-1-en
www.banadvocates.org and on Vimeo.
“It’s past time for the U.S. to join a global
“Banksecrets.eu” updated on 1 April 2010 ban on cluster bombs”, op-ed by Ban
with cases of AXA, Dexia and KBC as well Advocate, Lynn Bradach, which son Travis,
as translated into Dutch. The website a corporal in the U.S. Marines, was killed
Banksecrets.eu shows the investments of by a U.S. cluster bomb in July 2003, while
16 well-known banks in harmful projects. he was clearing cluster munitions in Iraq,
www.banksecrets.eu/ Oregon Live,
http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.
“Cluster munitions and victim assistance”, ssf/2010/08/the_us_should_join_and_lead
a key list of information launched by _a.html
“Source”, an International Information
Support Centre designed to strengthen the “Laos: hope for development”, report by
management, use and impact of IRIN, humanitarian news and analysis, a
information on health and disability, a project of the UN Office for the
collaborative venture of CICH, Healthlink Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 5
Worldwide, Handicap International and August 2010
Exchange. www.irinnews.org/PrintReport.aspx?Report
http://asksource.ids.ac.uk/cf/keylists/keyli Id=90072
st2.cfm?topic=dis&search=QL_CMVA09
“Legacies of War: Unexploded Ordnances
“Deadly Movements: Arms Transportation
in Laos,” a US Department of States
Controls in the Arms Trade Treaty,’ report
release on the first congressional hearing,
by Amnesty International, 19 July 2010,
held on 22 April 2010, where the non-profit
New York. It highlights examples of
organisation “Legacies of War” testified
deliveries of cluster munitions and their
about the dangers of UXO. The House
components on ships registered in the UK,
Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee
and managed by UK and German shipping
on Asia, the Pacific and the Global
companies, that were transported from
Environment, examined the issue of
South Korea to Pakistan between March
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in Laos and
2008 and February 2010 for use by the
US funding for their removal.
country’s army.
http://www.state.gov/p/eap/rls/rm/2010/0
www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?Ne
4/140688.htm
wsID=18893

21

“Laos Takes Centre Stage in Cluster Bombs Monitor and Cluster Munition Monitor
Treaty”, by Marwaan Macan-Markar, reports, online country profile reports
Bangkok, IPS, 5 August 2010 on the (launched on 22 June 2010 and finalized
leading role of Laos in a global campaign to by the end of August), as well as
ban the use of cluster bombs. factsheets and maps. All Landmine and
http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=5238 Cluster Munition Monitor research products
8 are available for purchase and as a free
online resource.
“Negotiating the Convention on Cluster www.the-monitor.org/index.php
Munitions. The Role of African States,”
Gugu Dube, ISS Paper 187, 1 June 2009. “The Things We Left Behind: Fifty Years
http://www.issafrica.org/pgcontent.php?UI Later, American Cluster Bombs Continue to
D=5217 Kill in Laos”, by Alexis Collatos, 5 August
2010, on “Partnership for a Secure
“Survivors and activists hail cluster bomb America”.
ban,” by Thin Lei Win and Maria Caspani, http://blog.psaonline.org/2010/08/05/the-
30 July 2010, AlertNet Bangkok/London. things-we-left-behind-fifty-years-later-
http://www.alertnet.org/db/an_art/60167/ american-bombs-continue-to-kill-in-laos/
2010/06/30-142951-1.htm
“The Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Problem
The-monitor.org – The Landmine and and Operational Progress in the Lao PDR.”
Cluster Munition Monitor is an initiative The Fact Sheet provides official figures by
providing research for the International the National Regulatory Authority (NRA)
Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and for UXO/Mine Action in the Lao PDR. May
the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC). It is 2010.
the de facto monitoring regime for the http://en.handicapinternational.be/LaosTh
Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on e-Unexploded-Ordnance-UXO_a701.html
Cluster Munitions. Landmine and Cluster
Munition Monitor produces several research
products including the annual Landmine

Contact and coordination: Hildegarde Vansintjan, Advocacy Officer, Handicap
International vzw-asbl, Belgium

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Rue de Spa / B - 1000 Brussels Belgium / hildegarde.vansintjan(at)handicap.be /
www.handicap-international.be

Handicap International is an international organisation specialised in the field of
disability. Non-governmental, non-religious, non-political and non-profit making, it
works alongside people with disabilities, whatever the context, offering them assistance
and supporting them in their efforts to become self-reliant. Since its creation, the
organisation has set up programmes in approximately 60 countries and intervened in
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Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States) which provide
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