SFA-AGR-084-08

The Philippines Supports the oslo process at Wellington

aimed at the eventual Ban on Cluster Munitions

22 February 2008—The Wellington Conference on Cluster Munitions is the fourth in a series within the Oslo Process framework launched in February 2007, aimed at concluding a new legally binding instrument prohibiting the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm and providing for adequate resources to assist survivors and clear contaminated areas.

The 18-22 February 2008 Wellington Conference is significant because it is the last Oslo Process meeting prior to the treaty’s formal negotiations. Representatives from approximately 100 governments and more than 100 NGOs—including cluster bomb survivors, deminers, advocates—along with a Nobel Peace Laureate and a British lord are expected. Countries will finalize preparations for the treaty negotiation and will also adopt a Wellington Declaration committing them to negotiate the ban treaty on the basis of the draft text discussed in Wellington.

The Philippines supports the Process whose purpose is to craft a pact that is more a humanitarian instrument than an agreement on disarmament. It is consistent with our foreign policy, the country being a Signatory or State Party to most treaties that eliminate or reduce the use of certain types of weapons. Cluster munitions cause excessive, unnecessary and unjustifiable suffering to civilians, particularly children even in post-conflict circumstances and exact exorbitant economic and social development cost.

In addition, the Philippines is one of the largest contributors of police officers and military personnel to the UN Peacekeeping Operations as well as a leading source of migrants. Effective implementation of the Convention would reduce the risk and enhance the security of Filipinos overseas. 

The Philippines Delegation is headed by Assistant Secretary Evan P. Garcia of the DFA’s Office of the United Nations and other International Organizations. He is assisted by Atty. Sharon Rivera, Acting Director and Atty. Domifel B. Umangli, Legal Assistant both of the Treaties Division of the Department’s Office of Legal Affairs. END

/wingret