Treaty reaches ratification milestone
17th Feb 2010 | Filed Under Coalition Actions, Legislation, NZ Government
The international treaty banning cluster munitions has received its 30th ratification, meaning that it will become binding international law six months from now. Burkina Faso and Moldova ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday, 16 February New York time [NZ time – Wednesday, 17 February], becoming the 29th and 30th signatories to ratify respectively and triggering an entry into force date of August 1, 2010. Read more
Cluster bomb ban law passes
11th Dec 2009 | Filed Under Coalition Actions, Divestment, Legislation, NZ Government
(Wellington: 11 December 2009) Campaigners are celebrating the passage of the Cluster Munitions Prohibition Bill by the New Zealand parliament last night. With the unanimous vote in support of the implementing legislation, New Zealand’s ratification of the international treaty banning cluster munitions is now imminent. Read more
Minister: Ratification nearing completion
4th Dec 2009 | Filed Under Coalition Actions, Legislation, NZ Government
New Zealand’s ratification of the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions is nearly completion according to New Zealand’s Minister of Disarmament and Arms Control, Hon. Georgina Te Heuheu. Read more
US rejects landmine ban?
26th Nov 2009 | Filed Under Coalition Actions
UPDATE - Shortly after this story was posted [25 November 2009], the US issued a ‘correction‘ indicating that a policy review is still underway so the Obama administration has not yet decided if it will join the Mine Ban Treaty. The amendment came after an international outcry (see original story below). As Senator Leahy’s press secretary has noted: “This has all the appearances of backpedaling, with no guarantee of a different outcome … But one thing is certain: (Leahy’s) going to keep the pressure on, and for as long as it takes.” The original post follows. Please continue to pressure the US to do the right thing and ban landmines now… Read more
Asian cluster bomb survivors push the ban
20th Nov 2009 | Filed Under Coalition Actions, Legislation, NZ Government
In mid-November 2009, the ANZCMC Coordinator Mary Wareham represented New Zealand non-governmental organisations at a regional meeting in Bali, Indonesia. This is a brief report on the major highlights of the two-day conference. Read more
Iraq signs cluster bomb ban
13th Nov 2009 | Filed Under Coalition Actions
On 12 November 2009, the Republic of Iraq became the 103rd nation to sign the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. As a country that suffers civilian casualties due to its cluster munition contamination, Iraq’s signature has been a key priority for campaigners seeking to universalize the agreement, which was negotiated and opened for signature in 2008. Read more