100 countries back a ban on cluster bombs

The world moved a step closer to a complete ban on deadly Cluster Bombs this week with a new treaty coming into force, backed by 100 countries.

The decision is the culmination of a decade long fight to have the weapons banned because of the dramatic impact on civilian populations.

Current estimates suggest more than half a million people have been killed by cluster munitions.

Human rights groups say cluster bombs have a very similar impact to landmines and have no place in modern warfare.

But despite the backing of 100 countries several key states have refused to support the ban, including The U.S., Russia, China and Israel.

Radio 2SER spoke with LOREL THOMAS from the Australian Network to ban Landmines.

Hear the interview.