Croatian Mine Action Centre, in cooperation with MFAEI and Mine Aid NGO, marked entry into force of Cluster Munitions Convention

The Republic of Croatia signed the Convention 3rd December 2008 in Oslo and ratified it 17th August 2009

The Republic of Croatia signed the Convention 3rd December 2008 in Oslo and ratified it 17th August 2009. The Convention prohibits the use, production, transpiration and stockpiling of cluster munitions. The signatories are also obliged to destroy the stockpiled cluster munitions within the period of eight years, identify and clean the contaminated areas within 10 years, as well as ensure proper support for the endangered communities and victims so they could rejoin the society and enjoy the fundamental human rights.

The Mine Aid organization, as a member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), has been taking active part in the campaign to ban cluster munitions and closely cooperated with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration and the Croatian Mine Action Centre, heightening the awareness of the danger and disastrous aftermath of this inhuman weapon, as well as the importance of signing the Convention. The whole process of drafting, signing and ratifying the Convention is the result of an intensive and synergic work of governmental and non-governmental organizations from around the world.

During the Homeland War, more than 200 people fell victim to cluster munitions, 80% of which are civilians, while 3,910 square kilometres of the Croatian territory are still contaminated by it. This makes the Convention all the more important, as it regulates in a concrete manner the rights of the victim and the obligations of the state.

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