WRITTEN QUESTION P-3406/01

by Hans-Peter Martin (PSE) to the Council

(5 December 2001)

Subject: Unexploded cluster bomblets in Afghanistan

According to evidence provided by experts, since the end of the war in the Balkans over 150 civilians have been killed by the detonation of cluster bomb units which did not detonate on impact. These bomblets have extremely sensitive detonators which can be set off by the slightest touch, and still kill people 50 years after they were dropped.

Cluster bomb units are now also being used by the US in Afghanistan. It has been estimated that about 10 % of the bombs dropped do not explode, with unforeseeable consequences.

Is the Council aware of this problem?

What action can the Council take to avert this risk that innocent civilians' lives will also be at risk from unexploded cluster bomb units in Afghanistan for years after the end of the conflict?

Reply

(18 March 2002)

1. In its conclusions on promoting the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons adopted on 19 November 2001, the Council of the European Union stated that it was particularly concerned by the problems caused by the explosive remnants of war. It considered the topic as having the highest priority for the Review Conference of the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons which may be deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to have Indiscriminate Effects (Geneva, 11 to 21 December 2001). In that connection the European Union supports the setting up by the Review Conference of a working party on the explosive remnants of war with a view to negotiations on a legal instrument on this issue.

2. The situation in Afghanistan, in particular the problem raised in the Honourable Member's question, was discussed at a meeting between a high-level EU delegation and the ICRC in Islamabad on 24 November 2001. With regard to humanitarian mine clearance in Afghanistan, the Council would refer the Honourable Member to Regulation No 1724/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2001 concerning action against anti-personnel landmines in developing countries, which also covers the explosive remnants of war. Under Article 12 of the Regulation, a Strategy Paper is to be drawn up comprising priorities for Community mine action. The Strategy Paper is to be transmitted to the European Parliament for information.