Cluster bomb survivors and campaigners are celebrating after more than 100 nations adopted a landmark treaty to ban cluster bombs on 30 May.

The treaty will see the majority of the world’s stockpilers, producers and past users of cluster bombs enforce a categorical ban on the weapons. No transition period and no exceptions will be permitted. Stockpiles of existing weapons must be destroyed within eight years.

IANSA member Laura Cheeseman, campaigner for the Cluster Munition Coalition, said: 'This is a very strong treaty. Cluster bombs can never be used, produced or transferred again, which is a clear victory for humanity.'

Ms Cheeseman pointed out that the treaty was particularly strong on humanitarian assistance for victims and affected communities, calling the provisions on victim assistance the treaty’s 'shining light'.

Although the Convention remains vague on the use of cluster munitions in joint operations between states that sign up and those that don't, (the USA was notably absent from the negotiations), campaigners interpret the text to mean that states cannot host foreign stockpiles, or actively assist other states in using cluster bombs or invest in the production of them.

Civil society is invited to endorse the People's Treaty to ensure that states sign the treaty in Oslo in December.Thirty countries are required to ratify for the treaty to enter in force.

IANSA members present at the Treaty talks, which took place in Dublin included Binalakshmi Nepram (India), Robert Mtonga (Zambia), Mimidoo Achakpa (Nigeria), Nadira Mallik (Bangladesh), Fred Lubang (Thailand), Ema Tagicakibau (Fiji), Richard Mugisha (Uganda), Raza Shah Khan (Pakistan), Maria Pia Devoto (Argentina), Gustavo Guidobono (Uruguay) as well as representatives from Oxfam, Amnesty and IANSA secretariat member Bruce Millar.

Click here to visit the website of the Cluster Munition Coalition.