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Iraq: Bombs

Answer

[holding answer 23 July 2007]: The UK does not carry out post-conflict humanitarian impact assessments after munitions, including cluster munitions, have been used; there is no requirement to do so under International Humanitarian Law. The priority following operations is to clear unexploded ordnance in order to provide freedom of movement for our forces and conduct the highest priority clearance operations that threaten civilian lives.We recognise that Explosive Remnants of War, caused by unexploded ordnance, including cluster munitions, are a humanitarian problem. That is why the UK has played an active role at the UN in creating a new legally binding protocol containing a number of new legally binding provisions that will provide significant humanitarian benefit to those civilians in areas affected by Explosive Remnants of War. We are urging all states to sign and ratify this protocol as soon as possible. We are in the process of ratifying this and the MOD is in the process of implementing its provisions. The universal implementation of this will drive a significant reduction in the post-conflict effects of Explosive Remnants of War.We are still waiting for the outcome of the Israeli inquiry into their use of cluster munitions in Lebanon. To date the UK has contributed £2.7 million towards the clearance of unexploded munitions, including cluster munitions, in Lebanon. This is specifically intended to minimise the humanitarian impact of unexploded submunitions and other Explosive Remnants of War.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

150990; 463 c1078W

Session

2006-07

Subjects

Cluster munitions Iraq Lebanon

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk