The reliability testing of existing and stored munitions should be part of any preventive measure designed to reduce the likelihood of munitions, including submunitions, from becoming ERW.

Since all explosive munitions can become ERW, this question relates to all explosive munitions used in armed conflict.

The types of munitions and the means to be used are selected by Belgium in order to minimize the generation of ERW.

The United Kingdom recognises that all explosive munitions are capable of becoming Explosive Remnants of War.

The discussion during the Meetings showed that from an ERW perspective the identification of possible specific types of munitions, including submunitions, is a complex exercise.

Strict application of international humanitarian law Respect for appropriate national use concepts Making all munitions more reliable over their entire life cycle, so as to prevent them from becoming explosive remnants of war (ERW).

Within Iraq there is a very wide range of ERW representing the complete range of munition types including

The main purpose of the paper is to facilitate the future discussion on the issue on possible preventive measures aimed at improving the design of certain specific type of munitions, including submunitions, with a view to minimizing the humanitarian risk of these munitions becoming explosive remnants of war.

Typically, a majority of these were discarded munitions that had been kicked out' of their purpose built storage areas during bombings throughout the war.

It was noted that there is no single preventive measures, that it sufficient by itself to reduce the likelihood of munitions becoming explosive remnants of war.

Which existing principles of IHL applicable to the use of force during an armed conflict are considered relevant to the use of munitions, including submunitions, that may become ERW?

Specific Types of Munitions

These submunitions have a very high level of reliability, thus reducing the risk of generation of explosive remnants of war and consequently of collateral damage among civilian populations.

The list of specific types of munitions is illustrative. It should not be seen or understood as proof or irrefutable evidence that the identified types of munitions might pose an unacceptable humanitarian risk as explosive remnants of war.

Iraq also provided information on other types of aerial and artillery munitions used in field trials with biological warfare agents or simulants.

Air delivered Cluster Munitions

The Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War has provided a partial remedy to reduce the dangers of ERW (including unexploded submunitions) after the end of the fighting.

There is no single solution to ERW, rather it requires a combination of actions throughout the life cycle of the munitions involved.

ceased. These efforts are continuing in the context of the 1980 Convention, and France plans to continue to play an active role in organizing specific preventive measures to improve the design of certain types of munitions, and particularly submunitions, so as to prevent these items from becoming explosive remnants of war after the cessation of hostilities.

Thus, the positive verification of two liquid biological warfare agents found in munitions reduced the concern that Iraq had produced dry agent.

Most types of submunitions are designed to disperse submunitions over a wide area (some models disperse submunitions over a square kilometre).

The aim is to prevent submunitions from becoming explosive remnants of war, which constitute real risk factors for civilian populations once conflicts end.

6. Welcomes the commitment by States parties to continue to address the humanitarian problems caused by certain specific types of munitions in all their aspects, including cluster munitions, with a view to minimizing the humanitarian impact of these munitions

With respect to submunitions, the list identifies that several types of submunitions have different humanitarian risk associated with them.

(iii) Sub Munitions

In their efforts to reduce the impacts of these ERW the Coalition Munitions Clearance program continues to undertake very significant reduction and disposal efforts which are making a substantial dent in the numbers of ERW present.

In this context, France has proposed a methodological approach aimed at enhancing the reliability of all munitions throughout their life cycle, to prevent them from becoming ERW.

(v) Aerial delivered Bombs Sub munitions,

Ground launched munitions can be divided into a further 2 categories tube artillery launched and rocket launched.

(e) Small calibre ammunitions

Identifying high risk munitions

The designs of which types of munitions, including sub munitions, need to be considered for improvement as possible preventive measures? In this regard, the Meetings had to identify those munitions, including submunitions, which as unexploded ordnance pose the greatest humanitarian hazard.

The list represents a cross section of specific types of munitions which could become dangerous explosive remnants of war in future armed conflicts, including wars of internal and international character.

During the course of the session a photographic exhibition on explosive remnants of war by Mr. John Rodsted, organised by Pax Christi Netherlands on behalf of the Cluster Munition Coalition, took place.

He returned to Britain later in the war and worked for the Ordnance Board and the Admiralty up until a few weeks before his death in 1944.

Like other weapons, the use of munitions that may become ERW is regulated by the rules found in IHL treaties and customary international law.

In this way it supports the efforts being carried out on the improvement of all munitions within the context of the implementation of Protocol V on explosive remnants of war efforts to which it contributes directly, actively and constructively.

The UK has both air delivered and ground launched cluster munitions, which can serve as examples of how cluster munitions are used.

In particular, multi fuze submunitions seem to pose a much lower humanitarian risk than submunitions with single fuze or mortar rounds.

(ii) In theatre management of stockpiles to ensure ongoing monitoring of munition quality, particularly when in long term stockpiles and to ensure the introduction of ammunition into theatre is controlled so as to minimize the residual amounts of unused ammunition post conflict

Legacy Munitions Awaiting Destruction

However, there are some nuances with respect to implementation of the most appropriate preventive measures for munitions, including submunitions.

The questions in part one of the paper will allow the Group to gather information on which IHL principles are considered applicable to the use of munitions that may become ERW, in particular submunitions.

Artillery Rocket launched Cluster Munitions

The examination of the munitions will include all components and packaging.