Disarmament

Issues

Cluster Munitions

Cluster munitions are a type of weapon containing many small explosives, which may be scattered over large areas. Many of them do not explode and can injure civilians, not at least children, often years after armed conflict has ended. Cluster munitions have been in use for more than four decades in at least 23 countries. Over 70 states possess cluster munitions and 34 are producing such weapons. Discussions about banning or limiting the use of cluster munitions have been held within UN in connection with additions to the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention (CCWC). Following the so called Oslo Process an agreement was reached in 2008 to conclude a convention which  bans the majority of cluster munitions (Convention on Cluster Munitions - CCM).   

Iceland opposes the use of cluster munitions mostly because of humanitarian aspects. No such weapons exist in Iceland. Iceland has financed the clearance of areas contaminated with cluster munitions, i.a. by contributing the services of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) of the Icelandic Coast Guard. Iceland has also financed production of prosthesis for the victims of cluster munitions. Iceland supports universal adherance to the CCM as well as continuing negotiations on banning or limiting cluster munitions on the basis of the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention (CCWC).      

 Links

 CCM