The Coalition Cluster Munitions is an international coalition working to protect civilians from the effects of cluster munitions by promoting universal adherence and full implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

In 2010, the Convention entered into force and became an international law. Nowadays, 112 countries have ratified the convention, and there are 81 states parties.

The Intersessional Meeting to the Convention on Cluster Munitions is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 15 to 18 April 2013. At this meeting, States Parties are expected to report on efforts made and plans to implement their treaty obligations. States that have not yet joined the Convention will also be present to give updates on steps they are taking towards joining the treaty. Signatory states will report on progress on ratification and steps they are already taking to implement applicable obligations under the convention.

During the day on Tuesday April 16 civil society organizations in Latin America have promoted an initiative to declare the region as «free zone» of cluster munitions. This could accelerate the process encouraging countries that are part of the treaty but their parliament have not ratified yet.

In Latin America, only Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela have refused to sign it, and Bolivia and Paraguay, although they are signatories, their parliaments have not yet ratified it.

Source: La informacion – 16 abril – full article in spanish