Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) Intersessional Meeting
Compliance
17 April 2013
Thank you Mr Chair.
Australia would also like to mention an important issue that touches on universalisation and compliance matters on our agenda.
Like others, Australia notes with concern the recent reports of possible use of cluster munitions in the conflict in Syria in the past year. If accurate, not only is such use contrary to the growing international consensus established by the Convention against the use of these indiscriminate weapons, but as we all know, the use of cluster munitions leaves a deadly legacy long after the cessation of conflict and it is civilians who bear the
brunt of these weapons.
The Convention emphasises the importance of universal adherence of all states and contains responsibilities for State parties to promote the universalisation and full implementation of the Convention. Australia takes these responsibilities seriously.
And the allegation of Syria’s use underlines the need for all states to become a party to the Convention and end for all time the suffering and casualties caused by indiscriminate cluster munitions.
Like others, Australia urges the parties to the conflict in Syria to refrain from using cluster munitions in the immediate future and urge Syria to join the Convention on Cluster Munitions as soon as possible.
Thank you.