2008:02EI CLUSTER MUNITIONS
Whereas 1: In 1996 the National Council of Women of Canada approved policy 96.7 banning the production, use, and export of anti-personnel Land Mines worldwide, which did not include Cluster Munitions (bombs); and
Whereas 2: Cluster Munitions kill and injure civilians as they scatter explosives over wide areas and many of the bomblets or submunitions fail to explode on impact, killing and injuring civilians long after conflict, similar to land mines; and
Whereas 3: Cluster Munitions kill indiscriminately and are stockpiled in the billions by 75 countries; and
Whereas 4: The Lebanon conflict of 2006 demonstrated that non-State armed groups now have access to Cluster Munitions and that the problem can rapidly become far worse if urgent steps are not taken; and
Whereas 5: An international process is occurring in 2008 to conclude a new treaty (the Oslo process) that will prohibit Cluster Munitions weapons; therefore be it
Resolved 1: That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of Cluster Munitions be ended and relief be provided for affected communities; and be it further
Resolved 2: That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada
a. To participate actively in the current process to ban the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of cluster bombs; and
b. To support an instrument that is strong, clear, and easily implemented; and
c. To conclude and sign on to a treaty that will prohibit Cluster Munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians; and be it further
Resolved 3: That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to provide financial, medical, and rehabilitation relief for those civilians and communities affected by Cluster Munitions.