Invitation to the Press Conference: Celebrating entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions

 

 

 

Invitation to the Press Conference

Celebrating entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions

Ban Advocates, Sladjan and Dusica Vučković,
will personally introduce the film “Ban Advocates: from Victims to Champions”

Friday 30 July 2010, 11 am
Residence Palace (International Press Centre)
Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 155, Brussels

On 1 August 2010 the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) will enter into force. Entry info force is a major milestone as it is the day that the international ban takes effect and its obligations become fully and legally binding on all States Parties. The clock will start ticking for them to meet their obligations and this will be celebrated around the world. In Brussels Handicap International Belgium invites you to a press conference with two survivors of cluster munitions from Serbia, Sladjan and Dusica Vučković, who lobbied for the treaty as part of the “Ban Advocates” team. They will introduce the film “Ban Advocates: from Victims to Champions,” directed by Chris Anderson. The film shows the crucial role played by the “Ban Advocates” in advocating for a ban on cluster munitions, joint with key states and civil society, played in the process towards a ban on cluster munitions. Together with staff members of Handicap International they will answer your questions.

The following questions may arise:

What is the impact of the Entry into Force of the CCM on 1 August 2010? What will change for affected people & communities? Which states must join? What role should Europe play? How to empower survivors to play a role in processes of change? What can we expect from the First Meeting of States Parties in Laos in November?

Programme:
1. Introduction to the entry into force
2. The role of the “Ban Advocates” in the Oslo process
3. Sladjan and Dusica Vučković: experiences and expectations
4. The short version of the film (5’) will be shown
5. The way forward and Questions & Answers

The Press Conference will be in English, questions will be answered in French and Dutch as well.

The film, long (25’) and short (5’) versions, will be available on the web after the press conference.

 

To confirm your presence, for interviews or information, please contact:
Hildegarde Vansintjan, Tel: + 32 2 233 01 06; Mob: + 32 485 111 460; hildegarde.vansintjan@handicap.be

For more information on the “Ban Advocates”, please contact: Stéphanie Castanié,
Tel: +32 2 233 01 08: Mob: +32 479 079 180; stephanie.castanie@handicap.be

 

Websites: www.clusterconvention.org; www.banadvocates.org; www.handicap-international.be; www.stopclustermunitions.org (Cluster Munition Coalition); www.1August.org (entry into force)