9-12 November: Summit on cluster munitions in Laos, the world's worst
affected country

VIENTIANE, Laos, Nov. 8 /CNW Telbec/ - Laos is the country most contaminated by cluster munitions in the world. It is therefore highly symbolic that it is playing host to the first meeting of States Parties to the Oslo Treaty banning cluster munitions, between 9 and 12 November in Vientiane. Handicap International will use this opportunity to call on states to renew their commitment to meeting their obligations, particularly in terms of survivor assistance and decontamination. It is also calling on all states that have not already signed the treaty to do so as soon as possible. Canada has still not ratified it.

Laos, a country ravaged by war
During the Vietnam War, between 1964 and 1973, the United States dropped more than 270 million cluster munitions over Laos. Although the two countries were not at war, the US army was keen to stem the flow of supplies along the Hô-Chi-Minh road to the south of Laos. There are currently an estimated 80 million cluster munitions which did not explode on impact, scattered mainly in rice fields, waterways and on roads, threatening the day-to-day lives of civilians. More than 50,000 people were killed or injured in an accident caused by explosive remnants of war between 1964 and 2008, almost half during peace time. What makes the situation all the more unacceptable is the fact that children are the main victims of these weapons. Between 1979 and 2008, 60% of civilian victims were young boys. The Oslo Treaty banning cluster munitions, which entered into force on 1 August 2010, represents a major opportunity to bring about change in Laos, as in the thirty five other countries and territories contaminated by these weapons.

The first meeting of states Parties at Vientiane between 9 and 12 November 2010
Laos is the host country of the first meeting of states Parties to the Oslo Treaty. The treaty currently has 108 signatory states, including 43 states Parties. This summit marks an essential step towards putting the treaty into practice. The states Parties are expected to underline their commitment to applying the treaty, to agree on measures to include in an action plan to put the treaty's requirements into practice, particularly in terms of clearance and survivor assistance, and to promote the treaty by calling on all non-signatory states to sign it. It will also provide an opportunity for countries to outline the budgets they have allocated to implement the treaty. Handicap International intends to pay particularly close attention to ensuring these commitments are effectively met. According to the 2010 Cluster Munition Monitor report, between 58,000 and 85,000 people around the world have fallen victim to cluster munitions. To ensure the victims of these weapons, their families and communities actually benefit from the treaty, it is essential that the funds allocated to survivor assistance and decontamination are adequate to the task.

Day-to-day assistance for survivors
Handicap International has been working to reduce the threat posed by explosive remnants of war through clearance and risk education activities in Laos since 1996. As regards risk education in relation to explosive remnants of war, Handicap International works with families involved in metal collection. Most metal collectors are young boys who recover metal from fields to sell it on the market in order to supplement their family's income. This metal is mostly sourced from remnants of war and, unfortunately, many are unexploded. Although they risk exploding when handled, they are sold for a derisory sum. Handicap International offers alternatives to this trade and helps local populations develop other sources of income.
The association works alongside people with disabilities and the vulnerable worldwide. Our action and testimony are focused on responding to their essential needs and improving their living conditions in more than 60 countries.

For further information:

Learn more at www.handicap-international.org

Press contact: Claire Fehrenbach: 514 983 2813 [email protected]

Khoudia NDIAYE 514 908 2813 ext. 227 [email protected]