Soraj’s reaction to the US cluster bomb export ban

I was at school when I received a call from Mr. Sulaiman Aminy saying that H. E. President Barack Obama will sign a law that will make permanent a ban on nearly all cluster bomb exports from the United States.

Honestly I felt very happy. How it will be exciting and historic in the world when the USA joins the Oslo process and signs, ratifies and implements the Convention on Cluster Munitions – the CCM.

I am sure that when USA joins the Oslo process those states that are not yet part of the Oslo process will also join it.

I am calling on all people in the United State of America, especially the US Congress and the US Senate to support the President Barack Obama and encourage him to sign the CCM and as well other global treaties and stop the suffering of millions affected people and communities in the world, it is really a gold chance and please support your president.

Since we joined the Oslo process which led to this great Convention on Cluster Munitions I found my dreams and brought back happiness to my family through our efforts and advocacy. This convention is not really about the weapon – it is about the people and the people’s right to live in peace, security, and in dignity. This is a great gift to humanity, for this and next generations.

As a cluster bomb victim I am really looking forward to see as many states as possible signing, ratifying and implementing the Convention on Cluster Munitions – the CCM.

And I am calling on all states that are not part of the Oslo Process to please support us and support our treaty and to not let once again the people lose their life, their family and hopes like me. It is harmful for me again when I see a child survivor of cluster bomb or landmine in the wheelchair or with crutches.

Soraj Ghulam Habib, Ban Advocate, Afghanistan