Stop Cluster Bombs

Treaty reaches ratification milestone

mary — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:36:29 +0000

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. (more…)

New Zealand ratifies cluster bomb ban!

mary — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:39:16 +0000

(Wellington, 23 December 2009) – New Zealand has ratified the international treaty banning cluster munitions one week after domestic implementing legislation was signed into law, said the Aotearoa New Zealand Cluster Munition Coalition (ANZCMC) today. (more…)

Cluster bomb ban law passes

mary — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:00:22 +0000

(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. (more…)

Second Debate on the Bill

mary — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:56:45 +0000

The Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill is scheduled for its second debate in House this afternoon [10 December 2009 New Zealand time], starting at approx. 4.20pm local time. Watch it live online on the Internet or on television (on channels Freeview 22 or Sky 94) or come down to Parliament in Wellington and witness it live from the viewing gallery. (more…)

Minister: Ratification nearing completion

mary — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:14:15 +0000

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. (more…)

US rejects landmine ban?

mary — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:08:09 +0000

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… (more…)

Asian cluster bomb survivors push the ban

mary — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:47:08 +0000

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. (more…)

Iraq signs cluster bomb ban

mary — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:47:10 +0000

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. (more…)

Disarmament, the UN way…

mary — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:15:55 +0000

During October 2009, the basement of the United Nations in New York hummed with activity as diplomats tackle disarmament and international security issues during the annual session of the UN’s First Committee. The ANZCMC Coordinator Mary Wareham was there on behalf of Human Rights Watch to help promote the treaties banning landmines and cluster munitions. Her report follows, while a PDF version is available for download here. (more…)

Explosive Investments Report

mary — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:11:43 +0000

On 29 October 2009, campaigners in Europe launched a call for governments to stem the flow of money to cluster munition producers operating in countries that have not joined the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. The Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) is calling on all governments unilaterally ban the funding of cluster munition production, calling the weapon “morally and commercially unviable.” (more…)