Press release
04 December 2008
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Sweden signs convention banning cluster munitions
Sweden has today in Oslo signed the convention banning cluster munitions. More than 100 countries will be signing the convention, the result of a Norwegian initiative, on 3-4 December. Sweden is being represented by its Ambassador in Oslo, Michael Sahlin, who signed the convention on behalf of Sweden.
Sweden has played an active role in the talks to introduce a ban on cluster bombs, which cause unacceptable suffering to civilians.
The convention is an important step in improving conditions for civilians in armed conflicts. It prohibits the use, development, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions. The convention contains provisions for assistance to individuals, families and communities affected by cluster munitions. It also provides for cluster munitions clearance, stockpile destruction and international cooperation between states.
