UNICEF Welcomes Adoption Of International Treaty Banning Cluster Munitions
In use for over six decades, cluster munitions continue to contaminate wide areas of countries like Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia in Asia, as well as Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon.
"This is an important treaty and UNICEF calls on all governments to sign and ratify it as quickly as possible," said Hilde F. Johnson, UNICEF's Deputy Executive Director.
Research has shown that roughly 40 per cent of victims of cluster bombs are children who are injured or killed long after direct hostilities end. Children are particularly at risk from cluster munitions as they are small and shiny and attract children's natural curiosity.
"By their very nature, cluster munitions spread out littering wide areas and rendering them uninhabitable. Bomblets are frequently found in school yards, fields and other areas where children play and explore," Johnson said.
Cluster munitions can remain "active" lying in wait for decades.
"With billions of cluster munitions stockpiled around the world, this treaty could help secure the world for generations to come," added Johnson.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
http://www.unicef.org
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