Convention on Cluster Munitions Signing Conference (OCCM)

Check against delivery

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends of the Convention on Cluster Munitions,

• We now conclude the opening part of the signing conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

• In February 2007 we agreed on an ambitious undertaking – to negotiate a new international instrument that would prohibit cluster munitions and support the victims by the end of 2008.

• We met the initial target in Dublin on 30 May, and with this signing conference we can conclude the Oslo Process. We have reached the end of the first phase – it is now the real work begins.

• The task ahead of us is the full implementation of the convention. We need to strengthen efforts to survey and clear areas contaminated by cluster munitions remnants. Thousands of victims are in need of adequate care and rehabilitation, as well as fulfilment of their rights. Billions of stockpiled submunitions must be destroyed safely and efficiently. And we must work with persistence to ensure that these weapons are never used again – by anyone.

• This is the second time in ten years we have managed to establish a new legal instrument in the field of humanitarian disarmament. In 1997 a similar alliance of states, civil society, the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross established the Mine Ban Convention. That convention made landmine use unacceptable, triggered massive funding for mine clearance and victim assistance, and created new arenas for effective cooperation between states and civil society. We will draw on the experiences gained since 1997 when we now start the implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. 

• The key words for successful implementation are partnerships, transparency and commitment. If we combine this with consistent focus on the victims and the affected areas, we are on the right track.

• Today is a special day. It is the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities and this year’s theme is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. When this landmark convention entered into force seven months ago, the international community passed a milestone in its efforts to ensure equality for all people. Back in 1997, it was a struggle even to include references to mine victims, but I firmly believe that the groundbreaking work we did then, helped to pave the way for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

• In the Convention on Cluster Munitions the rights of the victims have been given a prominent place, demonstrating that we have strengthened the rights of victims in a profound way.

• We have a new international disarmament treaty, a treaty that will improve the lives and livelihoods of people forced to live with cluster munitions remnants. It is the fruit of our collective efforts and we should be proud. I am pleased that so many of you have come to Oslo to celebrate this occasion with us. 

Thank you.