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The U.S. sent cluster munitions to Ukraine but activists still seek to bolster a treaty banning them

BACKERS STRIVING TO PREVENT EROSION IN SUPPORT OF INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT BANNING CLUSTER MUNITIONS

The international agreement that bans cluster munitions due to their potential to cause mass destruction and harm innocent civilians is in danger of facing erosion in support. Recently, the United States of America has made the “unconscionable” decision to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions for their fight against Russia. The decision has been heavily criticised by human rights groups across the world.

The purpose behind the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) is to eliminate the humanitarian crises caused by the usage of such weapons. It is estimated that 98 countries have signed and ratified the agreement. In an attempt to prevent the erosion in support of the CCM, backers are striving for a global consensus.

Cluster munitions, otherwise known as cluster bombs, are explosive bombs made up of multiple sub-munitions or ‘bomblets’. These bomblets are spread over a wide area, reaching up to thousands of square meters. This makes the bombs inaccurate and indiscriminate, frequently failing to hit their intended targets and killing and maiming innocent civilians. Cluster munitions have become a huge threat to civilians due to their long-lasting effects.

The CCM represents a great step forward in the fight for a world free from the devastating effects of cluster bombs. The treaty bans the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of such weapons, making it illegal for countries to use or possess cluster munitions. It also calls for assistance to victims and for clearance of areas contaminated by the weapons. It is a strong statement against the usage of cluster munitions and is seen as a huge step in the right direction.

However, the “unconscionable” decision made by the USA to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions for their fight against Russia has cast a dark shadow on the CCM. This decision is extremely concerning for many human rights groups as it signifies a potential erosion in support for the agreement, and the USA’s willingness to disregard the consequences of such weapons. This could potentially encourage other countries to follow suit, leading to a global increase in the usage of such weapons.

In response to the USA’s decision, backers of the CCM are striving to prevent erosion in support. This includes increasing awareness amongst countries that have yet to sign the treaty, as well as encouraging countries that have signed to fully ratify the agreement. Through public campaigns, rallies, and other means of advocacy, backers are striving to ensure that the effects of the USA’s decision are minimal and do not take away from the progress made by the CCM.

Ultimately, the USA’s decision has brought the issue of cluster munitions to the forefront and has served as a reminder of the need for a global consensus against such weapons. Backers are striving to prevent any erosion in support and ensure that the agreement is upheld. The CCM serves as an important symbol of solidarity against the indiscriminate and devastating effects of cluster bombs, and its supporters are determined to protect its success and prevent it from being undermined by any country, regardless of how powerful they are.

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