Convention on Cluster Munitions
Australia, represented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, was among the original signatories to the Convention on Cluster Munitions at a signing ceremony hosted by the Government of Norway in Oslo on 3 December 2008.
The new treaty was adopted by over 100 states at the Dublin Diplomatic Conference (19-30 May 2008). The treaty bans cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians, and represents a significant humanitarian outcome, particularly in regard to the protection of civilians in conflict zones, victim assistance and clearance of affected areas.
As part of Australia's formal ratification process for the Convention, a National Interest Analysis setting out the benefits for Australia in ratifying the Convention, and Australia's responsibilities under the Convention, was tabled in the Parliament on 12 March 2009. The Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) conducted public hearings on the Convention on 15 and 22 June 2009. In its Report No 103 of 18 August 2009 JSCOT declared its support for the Convention and recommended that “binding treaty action be taken” (Recommendation 3).
The Australian Government is working to ensure all requisite ratification processes – including the passage of relevant legislation – are completed as quickly as possible.