Overview

The 2008 Meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the Convention decided that in 2009 the Group of Governmental Experts will continue its negotiations, taking into account document CCW/GGE/2008-V/WP.1 and other present and future proposals by delegations, to address urgently the humanitarian impact of cluster munitions, while striking a balance between military and humanitarian considerations. The GGE should make every effort to conclude its negotiations as rapidly as possible and report to the next Meeting of the High Contracting Parties. The work of the GGE will be supported by military and technical experts.

The 2008 Meeting of the High Contracting Parties also decided that the GGE would meet for up to two weeks in 2009, from 16 to 20 February 2009 and subsequently, if required, from 14 to 17 April 2009.

The 2009 sessions of the GGE are chaired by Mr. Gustavo Ainchil of Argentina. The Chairperson of the Meetings of the Military and Technical Experts of the Group is Capitán de Navío Roberto C. Juárez of Argentina.