Cluster Bombs - Lib Dems Call for Ban

1.40.41pm GMT Tue 23rd Mar 2004

Cluster bombs are weapons consisting of dozens or hundreds of smaller bombs. Cluster bombs are designed to spread these sub-munitions - sometimes called bomblets - over a wide area.

The bomblets frequently fail to explode and effectively turn into landmines that kill and maim civilians long after war is over.

Human Rights Watch insist that the 'widespread use of cluster munitions, especially by US and UK ground forces [in Iraq] caused at least hundreds of civilian casualties," in a December 2003 report.

Human rights organisations and other pressure groups consider cluster bombs to be akin to anti-personnel landmines, which are banned by international law. Pressure for an international ban on the use of cluster bombs is increasing.

Liberal democrats believe that cluster bombs are an imprecise weapon that can threaten the lives of civilians long after military action has ceased. Essentially: -

1. Cluster bombs blanket a wide area and are hard to target precisely.

2. They can kill civilians - including many women and children - long after conflict is over.

3. They render precious agricultural land hazardous on unusable.

4. They pose a long-lasting threat to peacekeepers, bomb clearers and sometimes our own soldiers.

5. They cause horrific and devastating injuries.

6. They have a relatively high failure rate, leaving many unexploded bomblets.

7. There are currently no restrictions on the use of cluster bombs.

You can support our call for a Ban on Cluster Bombs by signing the petition available on this web site.