Global Courant
Canada is reiterating its stance against the use of cluster munitions following the Biden administration’s decision to send the controversial weapon to Ukraine during the Russian invasion.
In a statement to CTV News, Canada’s government said its long-standing position on the weapon is clear because Canada is completely against its use in accordance with Canada’s landmine ban.
“Building on Lloyd Axworthy’s pioneering work on the Ottawa Treaty to Ban Landmines, Canada pushed for the adoption of the Cluster Munitions Convention, which has now been ratified by more than 100 countries,” the statement said.
“We do not support the use of cluster munitions and are committed to ending the effects cluster munitions have on civilians, especially children.”
Canada, along with 123 countries, has committed to the Convention on Cluster Munitions introduced in 2008 that prohibits the production, use, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions. In 1997 Canada introduced the Treaty of Ottawa to ban the weapon that randomly disperses explosive bombs, which can lead to civilian casualties and deaths.
“Canada is in full compliance with the treaty and we take seriously our obligation under the treaty to encourage its universal adoption,” the statement continued.
On Friday, the US, which is not part of the global convention, announced it will send cluster munitions to Ukraine, despite the risk to civilians. At a briefing at the White House, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan argued that because Ukraine does not have enough artillery, the weapons could be used to save more civilian lives against Russian forces entering Ukrainian territory.
A recent report from the Human Rights Watch (HRW) estimates that by 2022 at least eight civilians have been killed by Ukrainian cluster munitions missile strikes in Izium, and at least 15 injured; however, the HRW says that number is likely to be greater.
Since the start of the war, Canada has contributed $8 billion in aid to Ukraine, of which $1 billion was for military aid, including the donation of eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks.
With files from the Associated Press and the Canadian Press.
