Nobel
Peace Prize to International Campaign and Jody Williams
On 10 October the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL)
and its co-ordinator, Jody Williams of the Vietnam Veterans of America
Foundation, were awarded the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for their global
efforts to eradicate antipersonnel landmines.
The Nobel citation said the ICBL had "started a process which
in the space of a few years changed a ban on antipersonnel mines from
a vision to a feasible reality." The Nobel Committee further
noted that the ICBL, in "making up a network through which it
has been possible to express and mediate a broad wave of popular commitment
in an unprecedented way . . . has grown into a convincing example
of an effective policy for peace."
In concluding the Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed the hope that
the Ottawa process will win even wider support. As a model for similar
processes in the future, it could prove of decisive importance to
the international effort for disarmament and peace.
The ICBL is an unprecedented coalition of more than 1,000 non-governmental
organisations in more than 60 countries. Jody Williams said, "Each
of the 1,000 organisations in the coalition share this honour. Our
strength has been not only in our numbers and diversity, but also
in our determination and co-operation"
"I hope that we all feel the honour and privilege that has
been conferred upon the ICBL with the awarding to all of us of this,
the most prestigious humanitarian award in the world," Jody said.
"I also hope that we all recognise the tremendous responsibility
that comes with the prize."
In an e-mail message to everyone in the campaign, Jody continued,
"I hope that you all feel as proud as you should of our unbelievable
achievements -- most importantly, the Oslo ban treaty itself. That
alone is amazing. And then, the recognition for that achievement by
being the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize."
"But, as I said in Oslo, we can only rejoice for a brief period.
The Oslo treaty merely lays the groundwork for the next steps in our
movement to eliminate landmines. It gives us the concrete baseline
from which to press governments to make the ban a legal and practical
reality. We must redouble our efforts. We must focus on the action
plan we elaborated in Oslo so that the award of the Nobel Committee
has not been made in vain. So that the "feasible reality"
of the Nobel text become actual reality on the ground. We also must
understand and accept the weight of the award in terms of being a
model for other such work. Too many would like to see this fail. We
cannot allow that to happen.
"Sorry for my going on. And on. But I've been thinking a lot
about these issues in the past few days and feel extreme personal
responsibility to see this treaty become reality. To see this incredible
model of co-operation that the ICBL is continue and grow and inspire
others to take similar action."
Locally, CALM convenor John Head sent out a press release about
the Nobel Peace Prize award, and sent a message of congratulations
on behalf of CALM to Jody Williams. "CALM is proud to be part
of the international campaign which has received this accolade, the
world's highest peace award," John stated. This press release
or an earlier one about the Oslo conference were used in some broadcast,
metropolitan and local media.
Dramatic changes
in landmine treaty support
A United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution introduced by
Canada has already attracted over 111 co-sponsors.
The resolution invites all states to sign the Ban Landmines Treaty
in Ottawa on 3 and 4 December, and after that in New York where it
will be open for signature from 5 December.
Poland has co-sponsored the resolution - a dramatic change from
Polish support for the United States' efforts at the Oslo Conference
to oppose the treaty. "The Polish ambassador, while stating that
a final decision has not been made, seemed certain that they would
sign in December!" ICBL co-ordinator Jody Williams said in a
message to the campaign after meeting the ambassador in New York.
The Japanese government has decided to send the Foreign Minister
to the Ottawa Conference to sign the treaty. Japan was a solid supporter
of the United States position at Oslo, mainly it seems because of
the US special pleading over the situation in Korea. The Japanese
change, together with the Polish shift, and the likely Australian
shift, means that there is now a minority of world states still holding
out against the Ottawa Treaty. Among them are superpowers United States,
China and Russia - although Russian president Boris Yeltsin is said
to have indicated that Russia will sign the treaty.
Australia's ambassador to the UN told Jody Williams that the cabinet
will issue a decision on its policy on 17 November. There is a strong
impression that it will change to support the ban treaty [see box].
Finland is the only EU nation not to co-sponsor.
The UNGA resolution (which is non-binding) also urges all states
to ratify the Ban Landmines Treaty without delay and contains wording
on mine victim assistance and demining.
Signing as a co-sponsor to the UNGA resolution (as New Zealand has)
can be taken to mean that the state will also sign the treaty in Ottawa.
Australia's position changes
The Sydney Morning Herald of 31 October 31 stated that the
Federal Cabinet will formally agree to sign the Ottawa Treaty, requiring
destruction of Australia's stockpile of more than 60,000 anti-personnel
landmines.
According to the Herald's foreign correspondent, "the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) has for decades defended the utility
of landmines to defend key installations in remote areas and potential
entry points against land invasion. It will still be able to acquire
alternative mines that can be activated from command centres."
There have been deep differences over the landmine treaty between
the minister for defence and defence establishment on one side, and
the minister for foreign affairs on the other. Widespread community
concern and a change of heart by the Prime Minister are reasons for
the change of policy. "The strength of public opinion was intensified
by the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, who campaigned to eradicate
landmines," the Herald said.
Round Table
Conference on Pacific Engagement in the Landmines
Process
Thanks to a generous grant of AU$38,000 from the Australian Government,
with supporting grants from the Canadian High Commissions in New Zealand
and Australia, a Round Table discussion will be held in Nandi,
Fiji, on 20 and 21 November.
Representatives from about 14 Pacific nations will attend. It is
hoped that Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rambuka will address the
conference - he indicated strong interest in the ban landmine movement
at the recent CHOGM in Edinburgh.
Planning for the conference is being spearheaded by Rev Paula Tekei
(Pacific Conference of Churches, Suva), Sister Patricia Pak Poy (Australian
Campaign to Ban Landmines) and John Head and Dr Andrew Ladley of CALM,
helped by New Zealander Caren Wickliffe who is at present working
at the University of the South Pacific.
John and Andrew will represent New Zealand, Sr Pak Poy and Lt Col
Michael Kelly (Army) will be there for Australia. CALM has sent a
NZ$500 seeding grant to help establish the conference secretariat.
The idea for such a meeting began at the Sydney Colloquium in July
but it only became a reality once the Australian funding was available
to cover lengthy and expensive travel for the far-flung representatives
of Pacific nations.
Leading Red Cross
surgeon will speak in Wellington
In conjunction with the Red Cross, CALM is co-hosting a meeting
at Lecture Theatre 3 (Railway Station side), Law Faculty, Old Government
Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington, at 5.30pm on Friday 7 November
1997.
The guest speaker is Mr Robin Coupland FRCS, who is world
famous for his treatment of the victims of landmines, having been
a field surgeon in Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen,
Angola, Somalia, Kenya and Sudan. He represented the Red Cross at
the first International NGO Landmine Conference in London in 1993,
and John Head met him again at the Sydney Colloquium (July this year)
and the Oslo Conference. At both conferences, Robin was the chief
medical resource person on the treatment of landmine victims. He will
speak on 7 November about "The anti-personnel mine injuries -
prevention and treatment," and CALM founder-convenor John Head
will also speak.
CHOGM and landmines
"Killers in the Commonwealth," a report produced by Human
Rights Watch, was released on 24 October as CHOGM began. It reviews
the landmine policies of all Commonwealth member states. CALM is obtaining
copies.
Thirty-four out of fifty-two Commonwealth governments have already
committed themselves to signing the Ban Treaty in Ottawa in December.
However, six Commonwealth governments have opposed the ban. According
to Alex Vines, the report's author, "these six governments -
India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Cyprus - are
clearly out of touch with the rest of the Commonwealth. They are on
the wrong side of humanity.
It has been reported that since - and as a result of - CHOGM, Cyprus
has decided to sign the treaty.
"India, Pakistan and Singapore should be especially embarrassed
to be among the rapidly dwindling number of countries still producing
these insidious and indiscriminate weapons," Alex Vines said.
Five other Commonwealth member states - Canada, South Africa, Uganda
, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe - have implemented a permanent halt
to their mine production.
The report highlights the fact that at least fourteen Commonwealth
nations are suffering from an estimated two to five million landmines
planted in their soil, with the most heavily infested being in Southern
Africa - Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. In these and many other
countries in the southern hemisphere anti-personnel landmines pose
a daily threat to rural development and free economic movement - the
very focus of the Edinburgh meeting.
"Campaigners are worried that countries like Australia, Kenya,
Gambia and others, while expressing support for a ban, are not yet
committed to signing the international treaty banning anti-personnel
landmines in Ottawa in December," said Vines.
"We must thank Mr Bolger for his support for the landmines
campaign and Ottawa Treaty at CHOGM," said CALM convenor John
Head, "and also for discussing the issue with French President
Chirac."
The Edinburgh Communiqué at the end of CHOGM included
a statement on landmines:
[25] Heads of Government addressed the serious humanitarian crisis
caused by anti-personnel mines and noted the negotiation of the Convention
on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer
of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, adopted in Oslo
on 18 September 1997. They invited Commonwealth and other countries
in a position to do so to consider joining the original signatories
of this Convention when it first opens for signature in Ottawa on
3 December 1997. They stressed that an effective solution to the global
problem of anti-personnel mines would only be possible through effective
international co-operation in all relevant fora including, inter alia,
the United Nations, the Conference on Disarmament, regional organisations
and groupings and enhanced international assistance for mine clearance
and for the care and rehabilitation and economic integration, of mine
victims.
On the Ban Bus to
Ottawa
"Our very own" Mary Wareham, a foundation member of CALM
and now Co-ordinator of the United States Campaign to Ban Landmines,
was in Berkeley, California at the start of the Ban Bus trip across
the USA which will end in Ottawa on 1 December in time for the Treaty
signing on 3 and 4 December.
Mary presented an ABSOLUTE BAN t-shirt to Rev Jesse Jackson who
was also speaking on the University of California at Berkeley campus.
Rev Jackson voiced his support for a total ban on anti-personnel landmines
in front of the crowd and assembled media
During its journey through more than twenty states, the bus will
visit numerous communities to focus support for the Ban Landmines
Treaty and oppose present US Government policy. Among the many organisations
supporting the bus trip with local meetings are the United Nations
Association, Save the Children USA, Soroptimist International, Handicap
International, "From mines to vines," and many peace and
religious bodies in the USA, Norway and Sweden.
You can send messages of support to the Ban bus by emailing: banbus@vi.org.
New Internationalist
helps CALM -- CALM helps New Internationalist
As a result of the CALM flyer enclosed with the September issue
of New Internationalist (NI), we have more than 20 new members
on our mailing list. We welcome them and thank them for their support.
In return, a descriptive flyer about NI comes with this newsletter
and we encourage you to subscribe.
Landmines were the theme of the September NI and CALM has used copies
of that issue to raise awareness about landmines with Pacific NGOs,
in preparation for the South Pacific Roundtable at Nandi later this
month.
As well as the response to the flyer distributed through NI, CALM
is grateful for donations received from readers of New Zealand
Women's Day after that publication had an article about Princess
Di's connection with the international anti-landmine campaign. All
donations received, plus a top-up from CALM funds, will be sent to
Rehab Craft in Cambodia at the end of November. Rehab Craft, part
of the Maryknoll organisation, is partly funded by the New Zealand
government.
CALM will be at
the Treaty signing!
John Head, CALM convenor, and Neil Mander, CALM Auckland Co-ordinator,
will represent New Zealand at the Treaty signing and ICBL Forum in
Ottawa on 3 and 4 December.
"Because we should finish things we began, I think it is important
that CALM is represented at the Ottawa Treaty signing," John
Head said. Both John and Neil will travel at their own expense as
the CALM Committee is not able to undertake fundraising for their
fares and expenses at this time.
New Zealand landmine
inspection teams?
At the October CALM Committee meeting a proposal was put forward
by engineer Bill Redding that the New Zealand government should train
landmine inspection teams ready to offer their services, when required,
under the Ottawa Treaty verification procedures (Article 8).
Round-the-world vigil proposed
At its October committee meeting CALM endorsed a proposal to have,
just prior to the Ottawa gathering, a demonstration on one day outside
every American embassy around the world, starting in New Zealand.
This would renew public interest in and awareness of the landmine
treaty, and maintain pressure on the US government to sign the treaty
The proposal has been forwarded to the international campaign for
consideration.
New resource officer
Justin Frisby is now handling the important job of responding to
requests for information and publicity material.
Justin has copies of the impressive video "To maim and to kill,"
made by New Zealander Colin McLennan, about the dreadful effect of
landmines in Cambodia, where Colin works with the Rehab Craft organisation.
The video can be borrowed from CALM, or bought for $30 including postage.
Send your cheque to Justin at P O Box 17-195, Wellington.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund
This fund was established after the tragic death of the Princess
of Wales, and will distribute money within New Zealand to the Princess'
favourite charities and those of which she was patron. Dame Malvina
Major is chairperson of the fund's trustees.
Over the weekend of the Princess of Wales' funeral, Telecom offered
a special rate for phone calls to the UK and Ireland and donated all
proceeds - $189,000 - to the fund.
CALM plans to seek funding for future activities from the Memorial
Fund, as Princess Di was a prominent supporter of the campaign against
landmines.
Appreciation
of convenor's work
After CALM Convenor John Head had presented his report on the Oslo
Conference to the October CALM Committee meeting, warm appreciation
was expressed of his own contribution to the New Zealand and international
campaign since he began CALM in 1993.
Thanks, Chris
Committee member Chris King, a long-time peace activist and staunch
anti-landmine worker, has retired from CALM after the October meeting.
Thanks, Chris, for all your hard and successful work for the campaign
- we hope we can call on you for help again some time.
Oslo report from
John Head
The role of NGOs at Oslo
All the publicity has quite properly been about the discussion and
the decisions of the Diplomatic Conference, but behind all this activity
there was a very effective lobbying and publicity programme mounted
by the ICBL and supported by over 200 NGO activists from 46 countries.
Although I was a member of our government delegation I was able to
participate fully in the ICBL activities and I know our delegation
leader, Ambassador Clive Pearson, was sensitive to the views of our
campaign.
Each day as the government delegates entered the meeting room they
were handed a simple but telling message. Big banners calling for
"NO LOOPHOLES NO EXCEPTIONS NO RESERVATIONS" hung from big
buildings around the square and as the tension mounted towards the
end of the conference, over 100 protesters met at night outside the
hotel occupied by the large US delegation to chant our displeasure
at the US stand. At the Conference Centre delegates entered the hall
through a barrier of banners and chants. We were all encouraged to
buttonhole delegates to present the ICBL position as well as to ascertain
where each country stood on issues of the day. Each night campaign
members assembled at 6pm to review the day's progress and to plan
activities for the following day. The ICBL ran a very effective campaign,
as could be seen from the frequent press releases e-mailed to our
CALM committee.
One Saturday we held a major display in the town square, showing
the impact of landmines throughout the world. The four-day NGO Forum
heard keynote speeches from US Senator Patrick Leahy and Canadian
Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy. We considered topics such as ICBL
policy before and after Ottawa; mine-free zones; demining technology;
women in mine action; skills training for mine survivors; national
campaign planning; double dipping and stigmatisation of mine producers;
what can be done to bring "non-state actors" (guerilla groups)
into not using mines; environmental issues; mines in Chechnya; and
medical issues. If you want more detailed information on any of these
topics please let me know.
At the final session we were able to present an ICBL Action Plan
(the outline was printed in the September CALM Newsletter).
The future for national campaigns
For New Zealand, our first challenge is to seek the support for
the Ottawa Treaty from all South Pacific countries. Neil Mander has
already sent an explanatory letter and a copy of the latest (landmine)
issue of the New Internationalist to each representative of
the Pacific Island Association of NGOs.
The Treaty text has been faxed to each country by the Canadian Minister
of Foreign Affairs and our NZ Missions in the Pacific are following
this up with explanatory meetings.
At the Nandi Conference we will be discussing the legal process
of ratification, because the Treaty will not be operable until 40
countries have ratified it. Some Pacific countries may find it easier
to ratify it than countries with a more complicated legal and Parliamentary
requirements. The ICBL and the ICRC are both preparing support packages
to make it easier for countries to complete the ratification as quickly
as possible.
New Zealand has been a supporter of the Ottawa Process from its
inception and will be at Ottawa to sign the Treaty. CALM would like
this country to be one of the first to ratify the Treaty, but this
will depend on the priority our government gives to completing the
necessary legal processes. We will be encouraging our government to
follow Britain's example and double its financial contribution to
demining and the support of landmine victims. CALM has made a submission
to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee's "Defence
Beyond 2000" inquiry asking that the Army's demining capability
be extended and that finance be provided for the purchase of the latest
de-mining equipment now available.
Oslo Conference report
Historians and political scientists who are interested in more detail
about the Oslo Diplomatic Conference can read the excellent (16-page)
summary in Disarmament Diplomacy No.18 (September 1997) which
is published in London by the Acronym Institute with funding from
the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust. Managing Editor is Rebecca Johnson
who visited New Zealand last month. For a photocopy send a stamped,
self-addressed envelope and $5 to John Head at CALM.
South Africa destroys its last landmines
South Africa's last batch of 1,000 stockpiled anti-personnel mines
(APMs) has been destroyed.
The detonation program, involving 260,000 landmines, began in May
and received worldwide publicity as a positive move towards eliminating
mines.
A limited and verifiable quantity of APMs will be kept in storage
"solely for training specific military personnel in demining
techniques and for research into the demining process, under the strictest
government supervision and control," the South African National
Defence Department said.
This newsletter edited by David Zwartz
