Cluster bombs summit details to be unveiled
Details will be announced today of an international summit on cluster bombs beginning in Dublin next week.
Cluster bombs are blamed for indiscriminately killing or injuring civilians - especially children who mistake them for toys.
The Cluster Munitions Dublin Diplomatic Treaty Conference, which will draw up to 1,000 international delegates, takes place at Croke Park from May 19-30.
Participating countries aim to agree a treaty that will ban the worldwide use of cluster bombs.
Nations spearheading the campaign include Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, Norway, Mexico, Peru and the Vatican.
A news briefing will be hosted today by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Irish Red Cross and international watchdog, the Cluster Munition Coalition.
According to the UN, cluster bombs have been used in conflicts in at least 30 countries including Afghanistan, the Balkans, Cambodia, Israel, Lebanon, Sudan and Vietnam.
The Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) is a global network of 250 civil society organisations working in 70 countries to end the devastation caused by the bombs.
Founding members include the Diana, Princess of Wales Fund, Human Rights Watch, Handicap International and Nobel Peace Prize winners.
Founded in 2003, the CMC is campaigning for an strong international treaty prohibiting cluster munitions.
Around 100 countries already support a global ban.
