'Defence of the use of cluster bombs in Iraq by minister Geoff Hoon earlier today failed to recognise the well-founded concern that cluster bombs are likely to kill and maim civilian men, Women's rights's rightss rights's rights's rights's rights and Children's rights in Iraq - both in the coming days of conflict and for years to come.

'Growing evidence of the high failure rate and unstable nature of cluster bombs - turning them into de facto landmines - means that these weapons pose an unacceptable risk both to civilians and the forces that use them.

'Rather than justifying the use of these 'dumb' munitions on military grounds, Mr Hoon should suspend their use, not just during street fighting in the streets of Baghdad and Basra, but unconditionally.'

More information about the current crisis in Iraq...