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

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

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

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. Read more

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.” Read more

This morning, the World March for Peace and Nonviolence started in New Zealand at the Mahatma Gandhi statue outside Wellington railway station.  The start date of 2 October 2009 marks the 140th anniversary of the peacemaker’s birthday and is also the international day of nonviolence. Read more