Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos
Photographs courtesy of HRW, MCC, NPA and UXO Laos

For decades, the use of cluster munitions has been the cause of unacceptable human suffering during and after conflicts throughout the world. Unexploded sub-munitions have long-term impacts; they particularly hinder humanitarian assistance, peace operations, post conflict reconstruction and development efforts. Unless practical international steps are taken, the hazards to civilians from cluster munitions will increase as cluster munitions continue to proliferate and the numbers being used rise globally.

The process to establish a prohibition on the use of cluster munitions, led by Norway and a number of like-minded countries, has gathered substantial momentum since it was initiated in Geneva during November 2006. The conferences held in Oslo (22 - 23 February 2007) and Lima (23 - 25 May 2007), have brought the number of participating states in the process to 75 and clearly demonstrates the ever increasing attention of states and international organizations to this important humanitarian matter.

As a country that remains affected by cluster munitions, the Republic of Serbia has been part of this process since the very outset. Together with other like-minded countries, Serbia shares common purposes; to bring to an end the unacceptable human suffering caused by the use of cluster munitions; and to agree on a legally binding international instrument to achieve that purpose by 2008. In that context, it is necessary to develop, inter alia, a framework for cooperation on ground clearance and assistance to the countries most in need, a framework that also includes more effective aid mechanisms to the survivors of cluster munitions.

It is against that background that the Government of Serbia has decided to hold the Belgrade Conference of States Affected by Cluster Munitions (02 - 04 October 2007). Apart from directly affected countries, the participation of other interested states, international governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in the ‘Oslo process’, is expected. In accordance with already established practice, an International Forum hosted by the Cluster Munitions Coalition (CMC), will be organised as an initial element of the conference activities. This forum will take place on 02 October 2007 and all invited states are encouraged to participate.

The input of countries affected by cluster munitions is crucial in establishing a treaty that addresses the needs of cluster munition survivors. A future treaty must take into account the experiences, challenges and concerns faced by people who live with the every day consequence of cluster munitions attacks. It must ensure that there are adequate provisions for survivor assistance - provisions that must stretch beyond the individual to include the larger family unit as well as the wider community. Provisions must also set out guidelines for the explosive ordnance clearance of contaminated areas, including retroactive clearance operations; and they must identify what is needed from the international community in order to ensure adequate and timely responses, as well as define the means to rebuild sustainable livelihoods.

The topics of discussion should be focused on three main elements; 1) survivor assistance; 2) explosive ordnance clearance; and 3) international assistance and cooperation. Such a discussion framework will allow affected countries to share their experiences, and jointly come up with key recommendations. It should also be a forum to voice concerns about the practical and financial resources available to undertake the huge task of making contaminated areas free from cluster munitions.

The conference is to be generously funded by the Government of Norway, and will be held, with planning and administrative support from UNDP Serbia, in the
Hyatt Hotel, Belgrade, Serbia.

Those states’ representatives that would like to participate in the sponsorship programme, should register under the Registration - Sponsorship Programme Link.

MFA Serbia
UNDP Serbia