New Zealand
New Zealand is one of six governments leading the Oslo Process to secure the international agreement to tackle cluster munitions (the other Core Group members are Austria, Ireland, Mexico, Norway and Peru). In May 2007, the Minister of Disarmament (and also Defence!) Hon. Phil Goff announced that New Zealand would host a crucial Oslo Process meeting.
The Wellington Conference took place from 18-22 February 2008. A total of 106 governments attended, as well as civil society participants from around the world making it the largest disarmament meeting ever convened in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s engagement on this issue is led by our Geneva-based Ambassador Don MacKay, who is known for his leadership on the recently concluded Disability Rights Convention. In May 2008, Ambassador MacKay played a crucial role in the negotiation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions by chairing complex discussions concerning the definition of a cluster munition.
New Zealand Defence Force personnel have experience in the humanitarian clearance of unexploded ordnance including landmines and cluster munitions. In 2007, two dozen NZDF personnel returned from an assignment in Lebanon where they helped clear unexploded cluster bomblets.
For more information on the government’s actions, check out the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website including the section launched 7 December 2007 in advance of the Wellington Conference.