WCC hails actions to curb cluster bombs and nuclear weapons

 

Two international actions to curb the potential use of cluster bombs and nuclear weapons have been welcomed by the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC).

 

On 25 November, a United Nations arms control commission rejected a proposed measure that would have allowed certain countries to keep and use cluster munitions that were banned four years ago. The following day, the governing council of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement committed its membership to build understanding of the “catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use” of nuclear arms, and the need to eliminate them.

 

In a public comment on behalf of the WCC, Tveit said, “Both decisions represent specific victories for the international rule of law in the face of long-standing delays and opposition by a few major countries. Saving lives on a large scale requires that all countries live up to the same high standards.”

 

WCC general secretary comment on curbing cluster bombs and nuclear weapons

 

Churches to play crucial role in regulating international arms trade (WCC press release of 25 October 2011)

 

WCC programme on nuclear arms control

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