Soraj_May08Campaigners in New Zealand are seeking assurances from the government that our troops will not be expected to assist with the use, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions in Afghanistan. The Aotearoa New Zealand Cluster Munition Coalition (ANZCMC) has written to Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Murray McCully following a request from the United States that New Zealand recommit Special Air Services (SAS) troops to the US-led NATO operation in Afghanistan.

The US is understood to be encouraging its allies and friends to commit more troops to the NATO operation in Afghanistan, but the US has not signed the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. The US has been the most prolific user of cluster munitions as well as one of the biggest producers and exporters of the weapon.  The last recorded US use of cluster munitions in Afghanistan was in 2001-2002.

The coalition is seeking clarification that New Zealand’s engagement with the US in Afghanistan will not undermine the fundamental obligations of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in any way.  Specifically, the coalition has asked the government to confirm that New Zealand troops will not be expected to assist with acts prohibited by the Convention such as US use, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions.

The ANZCMC wrote to the government after foreign affairs officials advised the campaign to raise our concerns when the government enters into coalition negotiations.  McCully responded that this issue falls under the responsibility of our Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control, Hon. Georgina Te Heuheu.

On 19 June 2009, Te Heuheu replied that, “New Zealand is currently reviewing its involvement in Afghanistan beyond 2010 and this review is due to be completed later this year.  It would be premature for me to discuss issues concerning Article 21 of the Convention in the context of a potential deployment of the SAS before a decision on New Zealand’s commitments to Afghanistan has been made.”

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