Cluster Bomb Convention

The CCM is the international treaty of more than 100 States that addresses the humanitarian consequences and unacceptable harm caused to civilians by cluster munitions, through a categorical prohibition and a framework for action.More than 100 nations have signed the Convention on Cluster Bombs (2008), which prohibits their manufacture, stockpiling, transfer and use in warfare. To date, the United States has refused to join the international community in outlawing these pernicious weapons.

http://www.clusterconvention.org/

This type of bombing is especially inhumane. From the accord:"Cluster munition remnants kill or maim civilians, including women and children, obstruct economic and social development, including through the loss of livelihood, impede post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction, delay or prevent the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, can negatively impact on national and international peace-building and humanitarian assistance efforts, and have other severe consequences that can persist for many years after use."

The convention has a provision for aid in defusing unexploded bombs such as those littering Laos. Bombs dropped by the U.S. in the 1970s are still killing and maiming today.

The U.S. has given a nod to the convention by halting sales of cluster bombs to Saudi Arabia, which has made indiscriminate use of them against the civilians of Yemen. It is time for the U.S. to go further and sign the convention.

tomforcongress in Connecticut's First District

tomforcongress in Connecticut's First District

Cluster Bomb Convention