Philippines Calls for Solidarity on Cluster Munitions Ban

MANILA 19 March 2025 — The Philippines, in partnership with the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), is hosting the Southeast Asia and Pacific Regional Workshop on the Convention on Cluster Munitions on 18-19 March 2025 in Manila. This event underscores the country’s strong commitment to humanitarian disarmament and universal adherence to the CCM, reinforcing its role as President of the 13th Meeting of States Parties to the CCM (MSP13).

With participants from ASEAN Member States, the Pacific region, and international partners, the workshop provides a strategic platform to promote universalization and effective implementation of the CCM, particularly in regions where adherence remains low. The event is part of a broader series of engagements led by the Philippines to advance international peace and security, a rules-based international order, and cooperative approaches to disarmament.

“The Philippines has long championed humanitarian disarmament, recognizing the devastating humanitarian impact of cluster munitions. As President of MSP13, we are committed to fostering dialogue and regional cooperation to strengthen the CCM and protect civilian lives,” said Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa T. Almojuela of the Office of United Nations and International Organizations.

Cluster munitions have caused long-term civilian harm and continue to pose a serious humanitarian challenge, particularly in conflict-affected regions. The CCM prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of these weapons and requires States Parties to undertake measures such as stockpile destruction, clearance of contaminated areas, and victim assistance.

The Philippines’ leadership in disarmament diplomacy is evident through its active engagement in international treaties, including the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and the ASEAN Regional Forum Intersessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament.

This workshop is the fourth in a series of major disarmament events hosted by the Philippines in 2025, reaffirming its dedication to global security and a world free of indiscriminate weapons. Looking ahead, the Philippines will continue to engage regional partners through initiatives such as a Regional Workshop on Space Security and a Workshop on International Humanitarian Law with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The Southeast Asia and Pacific Regional Workshop on the CCM serves as a catalyst for renewed action, encouraging States to strengthen their commitments to humanitarian disarmament and advance efforts toward a safer, more secure world. END

Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa T. Almojuela of the Office of United Nations and International Organizations addresses the Southeast Asia and Pacific Regional Workshop on the Convention on Cluster Munitions

Participants from ASEAN Member States, the Pacific region, and international partners pose for a photo during the workshop