Africa's Role in the Oslo Process to Ban Cluster Munitions that Cause Unacceptable Harm to Civilians

Date: 2008-04-23 to Invalid date

Speakers: 

• Reuben McCarthy (UN Development Programme)
• Jamie Allan Williamson (International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• South African Government Representative (tbc)

In May 2008, governments will meet in Dublin, Ireland to negotiate an international treaty to ban cluster munitions, assist survivors and ensure clearance of land. Known as the Oslo Process, after being initiated by Norway, the possibility of a new UN Convention has drawn the support of two-thirds of the world’s nations.

Angola, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have all recently been identified as countries that are affected by cluster munitions. While the African Union has not stated its position, it is believed that many African countries support the call for a total and immediate ban. However, States such as Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea and the United States are known not to support a ban and others only support a partial ban.

So what exactly is the problem with cluster munitions, if any?

Venue: ISS Conference Room, Block C, Brooklyn Court, 361 Veale Street, New Muckleneuk, Pretoria
(Parking in Brooklyn Mall and ABSA court)

Time: 10h30 (tea and coffee);
11h00 (seminar starts);
13h00 (light lunch)

RSVP: Amelia du Rand; E-mail: [email protected]; Tel: (012) 3469500; Fax: (012) 460 0998