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!) Phil Goff announced that New Zealand will host a crucial Oslo Process meeting.
The Wellington Conference will take place at the Town Hall from 18-22 February 2008. Approximately 350 participants expected from more than 100 governments. The NZ CMC is organising civil society participation to this meeting and at least 50 experts in the removal of cluster munitions, assistance to victims, and advocacy (including 1997 Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams) will attend.
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. The New Zealand Defence Force is also advising the negotiations as NZDF personnel have experience in the humanitarian clearance of unexploded ordnance including cluster munitions. Currently two dozen NZDF personnel are working in Lebanon to clean up 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 on the Wellington Conference.