The first of more than 100 countries are expected to sign a treaty banning the stockpiling and use of cluster bombs in Norway's capital, Oslo.
The first of more than 100 countries are expected to sign a treaty banning the stockpiling and use of cluster bombs in Norway's capital, Oslo.
Campaigners are hailing the treaty as a major breakthrough.
Campaigners are hailing the treaty as a major breakthrough.
But some of the biggest stockpilers, including the US, Russia and China will not be among them.
But some of the biggest stockpilers, including the US, Russia and China will not be among them.
First developed during World War II, cluster bombs contain a number of smaller bomblets designed to cover a large area and deter an advancing army.
First developed during World War II, cluster bombs contain a number of smaller bomblets designed to cover a large area and deter an advancing army.
But campaigners, including some in the military, have long argued they are outmoded and immoral because of the dangers posed to civilians from bombs that do not explode and litter the ground like landmines.
But campaigners, including some in the military, have long argued they are outmoded and immoral because of the dangers posed to civilians from bombs that do not explode and litter the ground like landmines.
Although many of the world's biggest stockpilers of cluster munitions will not be signing the treaty, its backers say the move will help stigmatise the weapons.
Although many of the world's biggest stockpilers of cluster munitions will not be signing the treaty, its backers say the move will help stigmatise the weapons.
But the treaty, agreed upon in Dublin in May, will not ban cluster weapons outright, reports the BBC's defence and security correspondent, Rob Watson.
But the treaty, agreed upon in Dublin in May, will not ban cluster weapons outright, reports the BBC's defence and security correspondent, Rob Watson.
It allows for the development of cluster bombs with greater precision and lower failure rates - an approach the US in particular says it is already pursuing.
It allows for the development of cluster bombs with greater precision and lower failure rates - an approach the US in particular says it is already pursuing.
As well as banning the use of cluster bombs, the treaty also provides for clearance in those countries littered with unexploded bomblets.
As well as banning the use of cluster bombs, the treaty also provides for clearance in those countries littered with unexploded bomblets.
Have you been a victim of cluster bombs? Send your experience using the form below:
