UN says international convention banning cluster bombs will take effect on Aug 1

Cluster bomb ban to take effect on Aug 1

UNITED NATIONS — Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the international convention banning cluster bombs has received the 30 ratifications required and will take effect on Aug. 1.

The convention prohibits all use, stockpiling, production and transfer of cluster munitions, which are fired by artillery or dropped by aircraft and eject dozens of “bomblets” across a wide area. It was adopted in Dublin by 107 states on May 30, but then had to be formally ratified by individual countries.

According to a spokeswoman, Ban said Tuesday that the convention’s quick ratification demonstrates “the world’s collective revulsion at the impact of these terrible weapons” which kill and maim long after conflicts end.