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Stop Cluster Bombs

Campaign success: International law banning cluster munitions comes into force

In December 2009, Control Arms campaigners celebrated as the Cluster Munitions Prohibition Bill was passed by the New Zealand parliament. The New Zealand government then moved quickly to ratify the treaty.

In February 2010, the international treaty banning cluster munitions received its 30th ratification, meaning that it will become a binding international law from August 2010.

Oxfam joined the international call demanding the prohibition of cluster munitions because of the unacceptable harm they can cause to civilians. Uncleared cluster munitions threaten humanitarian workers and prevent displaced people from returning home. Affected areas prevent post-conflict reconstruction and delay people’s ability to rebuild their lives and live in peace.

Find out more

• Read more news on the campaign to Control Arms
• Visit www.stopclusterbombs.org.nz to read more on the campaign to Stop Cluster Bombs