Handicap International: 14th shoe pyramid
Since 4 years, the association Handicap International fight against cluster bombs (BASM). A draft treaty to ban these weapons has existed since May 30. It will be open for signature on December 3rd. But the ban on BASM will be a success only if a maximum of countries sign this text. France has a major role to play in this process: it must not only sign the ban treaty, but also convince its European partners and allies to do the same.
On September 27, all French people are invited to come and affirm their commitment alongside Handicap International, by signing the petition to ban MLAs and coming to drop pairs of shoes, showing their solidarity with the victims of landmines and submunitions.
The pyramids of shoes are the symbol of the mobilization of Handicap International against the BASMs. This year, these events in 37 cities in France are of particular importance since they will take place ten weeks before the opening for signature of the draft treaty of prohibition in Oslo.
Strong of the 540 000 signatures of his petition against the BASM, Handicap International on this occasion launches a solemn appeal to the President of the Republic: France must sign the treaty as early as 3 December next; as President of the European Union, she must also ensure that the 26 other Member States do the same; Permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, it must finally put pressure on its allies, including the United States, to join the treaty.
The BASM contain up to several hundred mini-bombs, scattered over large areas at random drop. 31 countries and territories, such as Laos, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan or Lebanon, are affected by unexploded submunitions (up to 40% do not explode on impact). 98% of the victims identified are civilians. See you on September 27 to mark your opposition to these mutilating bombs.
//www.sousmunitions.fr
