IDDC

Signing of the International Treaty Banning Cluster Bombs on 3 December

Through the determined endeavors of many individuals and nations we have finally arrived at the historic day of signing the International Treaty Banning Cluster Bombs. The event will take place today in the City Hall of Oslo (Norway) and more than 900 delegates from around 100 countries will be present at this big happening. Many humanitarian organizations from all over the world participate, with in the forefront the Norwegian Peoples Aid and our IDDC partner Handicap International. Representing Norway, the host country and a major driving force behind this Treaty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will preside the ceremony and give a speech at 5 pm.

Among the participants are many victims with severe physical and psychological damage. Support to the victims is an integral part of the Treaty; and the fact that the signing ceremony takes place on 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, is not a mere coincidence, but a manifestation of the Treaty's focus on victim assistance.

Victim assistance is not simply about medical treatment, but also about addressing the needs of the individual victim in a holistic way. Victim Assistance needs to be done through medical and psychological rehabilitation; readjustment to a new reality with all its challenges for the victims and the family. This needs a multiple approach; e.g. medical assistance, counseling, retraining/education; various initiatives in the areas of livelihood and social integration.  

Congratulations to the initiative takers and to all the countries that have been supporting this process and that will be signing this historic Treaty today, making the world a better place to live!