Secretary-General's message to the meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the Convention on certain Conventional Weapons

and Conference Support Branch, Geneva

It is my pleasure to send greetings to all participants in the 2010 meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.

This Convention is an integral part of international humanitarian law and the global disarmament and arms control machinery. It was designed to provide a framework within which humanitarian concerns related to conventional weapons could be addressed. And indeed, it continues to serve that vital purpose and I commend your efforts to ensure that civilians are protected from the terrible effects of hostilities.

I also welcome the in-depth discussion on the protection of civilians in armed conflict that was held earlier this week by the United Nations Security Council. I note that the Council expressed its concern about the humanitarian impact of conflict, and called on parties to armed conflict “to give protection to the civilian population in accordance with applicable international humanitarian law.”

Two years ago, the Parties to the CCW decided to address the horrendous impact of cluster munitions on humanitarian efforts. As you pursue this effort, I encourage you to continue to be guided by the fundamental humanitarian principles that are the very foundation of the Convention. This would strengthen the convention's potential to address the humanitarian plight of all victims of cluster munitions and armed conflicts.

Since its adoption 30 years ago, the CCW process has achieved major results. I look forward to more advances in the years ahead, and wish you every success in your deliberations.