PH Becomes State Party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions
Chargé d’Affaires of the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations Ambassador Kira Christianne D. Azucena (left), hands over to Officer-In-Charge of the United Nations Treaty Section Arancha Hinojal-Oyarbide (right), the Philippines’ Instrument of Ratification to the Convention of the Cluster Munitions (Photo courtesy of the UN Treaty Section)
NEW YORK CITY 23 January 2019 — The Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations deposited the country’s Instrument of Ratification to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), making the country the 106th state party to the convention on 03 January 2019.
Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Ambassador Kira Christianne D. Azucena handed over the Philippines’ Instrument of Ratification to United Nations Treaty Section Officer-In-Charge Arancha Hinojal-Oyarbide.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed the Instrument of Ratification on 16 October 2018.
The CCM prohibits all use, stockpiling, production and transfer of cluster munitions. It establishes a framework for cooperation and assistance to ensure adequate assistance to survivors and their communities, clearance of contaminated areas, risk reduction education and destruction of stockpiles.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. said that by ratifying the convention, “the Philippines is committed to never use, produce, stockpile or transfer cluster munitions. The Philippines acknowledges the harmful effects of cluster munitions to both military personnel, combatants and civilians, and is in solidarity with other countries and communities that have suffered or are suffering from the adverse effects of these weapons.”
At its 73rd session, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) reaffirmed its determination to put an end for all time to the suffering and casualties caused by cluster munitions at the time of their use, when they fail to function as intended or when they are abandoned. The UNGA urged all States outside the CCM to join as soon as possible, whether by ratifying or acceding to it, and all States parties that are in a position to do so to promote adherence to the Convention through bilateral, sub-regional and multilateral contacts, outreach and other means.
In accordance with the Convention’s Article 17(2), the CCM will then enter into force in the Philippines on 1 July 2019, “the first day of the sixth month after the date on which that State has deposited its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.”
Among ASEAN Member States, only the Philippines and Laos have ratified the Convention. Indonesia is a signatory. END
For more information, visit www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph/ www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/