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.