Statement by Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Entry into Force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions

February 17, 2010
Japanese

On February 16 (New York time), the 30th instrument of ratification necessary for the entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions was submitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Japan welcomes the entry into force of this Convention, which will take place on August 1, 2010.
Japan has taken the humanitarian concerns caused by cluster munitions very seriously, and has actively participated in making an international instrument to address the concerns effectively. Japan concluded this Convention in July 2009.
The Government of Japan has provided assistance for carrying out activities to clear land mines, cluster munitions, and unexploded ordnances, as well as to assist victims. Since 1998, the total amount of assistance extended to forty countries and regions is approximately 390 million USD (approximately 40 billion JPY). In order to advance the legal norm to ban cluster munitions in the international community, Japan, in collaboration with civil society, continues to encourage other countries to conclude this Convention.

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