Photo: Devam Jhabak, Unsplash
A briefing titled “Universalization of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) – Challenges Ahead and Lessons Learnt: An African Perspective” took place on 29 April 2024 at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva. Organized by Malawi and Peru, the CCM Coordinators on Universalization, and the CCM Implementation Support Unit (ISU), the event received support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Coalition on Cluster Munitions (CMC). Its objective was to engage East African States on the significance of joining the Convention.
Representatives from three signatory States (Angola, Tanzania, and Uganda), two non-party States (Ethiopia and Zimbabwe), and the Convention’s latest State Party, South Sudan, attended the meeting.
H.E. Mrs. Francisca Méndez Escobar of Mexico, President of the 12th Meeting of States Parties (12MSP) inaugurated the session, followed by introductory remarks from Malawi. Ms. Pamela Moraga, the ISU Director, provided an overview of the CCM, emphasizing key provisions and the status of Convention implementation.
South Sudan shared its accession journey, highlighting the advantages of becoming a State Party. States yet to join the Convention were invited to update the gathering on their ratification/accession status and challenges encountered.
The CMC representative discussed strategies to overcome obstacles in joining and implementing the Convention, while the ICRC representative outlined available tools and resources to support universalization efforts. The event concluded with remarks from Peru.
As of 29 April 2024, 124 States have committed to the goals of the CCM, with 112 as States Parties and 12 as Signatories. In Africa, there are 36 States Parties, eight Signatories, and 10 States not Party. Nigeria and South Sudan, both African States, joined the Convention in early 2023 as the two newest CCM States Parties.
Presentation slides: