Ban Advocates Blog

I organized a Ban Bus tour around affected regions of Tajikistan. I informed the communities about the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), and explained to them that implementing this Convention will stop harming civilians, and will provide more assistance for survivors and affected communities.

The key objective of this action was to raise awareness of people in remote affected regions and locations and to help them raise their voices, in order to urge the Government of Tajikistan to join the Oslo Treaty.

During the Ban bus tour I met with a lot of people and I distributed brochures, flyers and booklets about the CCM. I also met with the representatives of Hukumats (local district government) in the affected regions of Tajikistan, briefed them on the situation of cluster munitions in the country, and asked them about their expectations of this Convention.

This action was also covered by the media and was broadcast by the government TV channels “Tajikistan” and “Safina”.

Umarbek Pulodov

In the framework of actions devoted to celebrating the Entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Tajikistan campaign has organized a Round Table on 3rd August 2010. This event was attended by the representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, Tajikistan Mine Action Centre, local NGOs, Mass Media as well as landmine and cluster munitions survivors.

Round Table participants were informed on the progress with the ban of cluster munitions worldwide, and on efforts toward the Convention’s universalisation. Also participants were informed about the current situation with cluster munitions in Tajikistan. We also briefed our guests on the forthcoming 1MSP, which will be held in Lao PDR.

On 1st August 2010, the organization ALB-AID started a series of events to celebrate the entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM).

A group of cluster munition survivors from northeast Albania, survivors from the Gerdec explosion and representatives from Albanian civil society were involved in the activities. A popular drum band was invited to start drumming.

This historic celebration of the entry into force of the CCM was organized in front of the Academy of Arts, right next to the presidency in Tirana. A total number of around 60 participants were present when the entrance into force of the convention was initially announced by Mr. Jonuz Kola and Mr.Ilir Shkalla.

Survivors of cluster munitions from Kukes villages, children from affected communities (Gerdec), Albanian Mine Action Executive, civil society and representatives from other NGOs attended this event.

Film “Ban Advocates: From Victims to Champions” shows how survivors can realize change – Sladjan Vuckovic, Ban Advocate: “our work has not been useless”

The commitment of the Ban Advocates has not been useless as the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) enters into force on 1st August 2010. All over the world, the Ban Advocates celebrate this historic moment.

Here in Brussels, Sladjan and Dusica Vuckovic, two Ban Advocates from Serbia, introduced the film “Ban Advocates: From Victims to Champions” to the media, at the occasion of a press conference organized on 30th July. This was the first public launch of the film.

Please find below both versions of the film (short version 5' and long version 25').

© Chris Anderson

Please find below also some of the interviews of the Ban Advocates, made by Chris Anderson in 2009.

© Chris Anderson

The title of the film, directed by Chris Anderson, “Ban Advocates: from Victim to Champions” reflects both the process the survivors went through and the role they played within the Oslo Process towards a ban on cluster munitions. All members of the Ban Advocates team had to overcome their injuries and trauma before they could really engage in the work they are doing. As Lynn Bradach, an American mother and a member of the Ban Advocates, says: “Membership is painful, because to be a member you must suffer true loss, loss of a limb, your sight or a loved one. In my case it was the loss of my son Marine Cpl Travis Bradach-Nall who was killed while clearing US cluster munitions in Karbala Iraq”, but she adds: “Membership also brings strength, because in order to be a member you agree that it is important to go beyond your pain and to strive to make a difference by using your voice and your experience to demand that countries stop using this inhumane weapon.”

The director, Chris Anderson, comments on his work with the Ban Advocates team: "Working with the Ban Advocates over the last few years has not just been a rewarding experience, but a tremendously enjoyable one too. I have been deeply impressed by their commitment to a process that will bring help, hope and change to thousands of people around the world, while overcoming their own life-changing injuries or bereavements. I have also been touched by the sense of loyalty and “camaraderie” that they have forged between themselves. It was an honor to have been involved."

Download the press release: Press Release

As Sladjan Vuckovic says “The application of the Convention will start now, thanks to the goodwill of thousands of people. After so many efforts, discussions and negotiations, we arrived at the point where we can say that our work has not been useless. I am an optimist and I sincerely believe that the Convention will not remain dead letter and be respected and implemented. Nevertheless, I know that our work isn’t finished. We need to do even more efforts to implement all provisions of the Convention.” And he adds that he regrets, that “the Republic of Serbia, although it played a distinguished role in the beginning of the Oslo Process, still hasn’t joined the treaty.” For the Ban Advocates it is incomprehensible and unacceptable. As survivors, they can not imagine that Serbia will ignore the clear message its own survivors send out today: “Join the Convention on Cluster Munitions and invest in victim assistance.”

SORAJ GHULAM HABIB, AFGHANISTAN from Handicap International on Vimeo.

© Chris Anderson

M R . U M A R B E K P U L O D O V , T A J I K I S T A Ned from Handicap International on Vimeo.

© Chris Anderson

M R . T H I P H A M Q U Y , V I E T N A M from Handicap International on Vimeo.

© Chris Anderson

M R . B E R I H U M E S E L E , E T H I O P I A from Handicap International on Vimeo.

© Chris Anderson

M S . A R D J A N A M A N I , A L B A N I A from Handicap International on Vimeo.

© Chris Anderson