The draft treaty has been negotiated within the framework of a process started by the Norwegian government in February 2007 – a process outside the framework of the United Nations and similar to the one that led to the adoption of an international ban on anti-personnel mines in 1997. The final treaty will be opened for signatures in Oslo in early December 2008.

Ethix has participated in the process and senior analyst Reinhilde Weidacher served as expert adviser with focus on responsible investment at the Dublin conference.

The draft treaty reads: ‘Each state party undertakes never under any circumstances to: (a) use cluster munitions; (b) develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile, retain or transfer to anyone, directly or indirectly, cluster munitions; (c) assist, encourage or induce anyone to engage in any activity prohibited to a state party under this convention.’

Ethix provides a large number of investors with in-depth research of corporate involvement in cluster munitions as well as other controversial arms such as anti-personnel mines, biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons.

The new cluster munitions convention provides solid support to investors addressing the issue within an international norms approach.

For more information, contact Ulrika Hasselgren, president or Reinhilde Weidacher, senior analyst and arms industry expert.