20091022 Cluster Bomb Treaty


	The Episcopal Public Policy Network Policy Alert

You may have heard of land mines but not of cluster bombs. Instead of being placed in the ground, cluster bombs are containers filed with smaller bombs that are dropped from the air or fired from land or sea. They open in midair and the bomblets then spread over a large area, killing or injuring those on the ground, regardless of whether they are combatants or civilians. Like unexploded landmines, they are a continuing lethal threat to all living in the area, particularly children who often think they are toys. President Obama can act now to end the scourge of cluster bombs. Write and ask him to do so. Additional Resources: BACKGROUND: Cluster Bombs and the Episcopal Church General Convention Resolution D078: Ban Cluster Bombs U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines Human Rights Watch You can read the letter this page sends to President Obama, here. Remember you can edit any portion of this letter in the form below.

Welcome Ana

Please fill out the form below. The letter will be sent to legislators in your area.

Welcome Ana White
Email Address awhite@episcopalchurch.org
* required field
This isn't me
* Email Address
Remember Me
* Prefix
This field is required for submission.
Prefix (Signature)
This prefix is displayed with your name in the signature.
* First Name
Middle Initial
* Last Name
* Address 1
Address 2
* City
* State
* Postal Code

This letter will be sent to the following individual(s):

Barack Obama, The President Of The United States

Please email me a copy of this letter.

By clicking Take Action, you agree to these terms and conditions.

Subject:

Dear Mr. President:

Today, I write to ask that you take specific steps toward the elimination of cluster bombs which today threaten 400 million people across more than 30 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan. We are grateful that earlier this year you signed a law permanently banning nearly all cluster bomb exports from the United States. But there are more important steps you must take now. Over 20 countries have now signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the United States should be one of them. I urge you to sign the Convention and move forcefully to see that it is ratified by the U.S. Senate. Additionally, I ask that you ensure that U.S.-made cluster munitions are not used in or near civilian populated areas, whether by the U.S. or our allies. The use of cluster munitions in Lebanon, Kosovo, Iraq, and other countries, vividly illustrates the horrific consequences of the weapon when used in civilian inhabited areas. I know that many countries are not waiting for the Convention on Cluster Munitions to be ratified but are already getting rid of their arsenals of cluster munitions. Governments of nearly 80 countries gathered in Berlin in June 2008 to discuss how best to destroy their stockpiles. In order to limit casualties inflicted by unexploded cluster duds, the U.S. should increase assistance programs focused on unexploded ordnance clearance. Many cluster-affected countries are simply cannot afford to clear land and educate their populations to the risks posed by unexploded cluster munitions. The U.S. responsibility to help clear munitions is especially clear and urgent in countries where U.S. armed forces have used cluster munitions. As a person of faith, I ask that you take these important steps to protect innocent lives around the world.

Sincerely,

Ana White
110 Maryland Ave. NE Suite 309
Washington , DC 20002