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Christians push for cluster bomb ban

Mark Zirnsak, director of the Justice and International Mission Unit of the Uniting Church Victoria and Tasmania, is on a mission to ban deadly cluster bombs.

In Wellington in February to attend the international Conference on Cluster Munitions, Mark, who is also co-ordinator of the Australian Network to Ban Landmines, says cluster bombs pose a particular threat to civilians because they have a wide area of effect and because unexploded bomblets remain dangerous for decades.

Accompanying Mark to the conference was Kerryn Clarke, social justice officer of the Justice and International Mission Unit of the Uniting Church Victoria and Tasmania, and secretary of the Australian Network to Ban Landmines. Kerryn, whose family lives in Tauranga, was delighted that New Zealand has been a leader in both calling for the ban and hosting the conference.

People often do not understand how cluster bombs kill, says Kerryn, “cluster munition weapons open mid-air, scattering hundreds of smaller bomblets that create multiple explosions. They are aimed at military targets but when released in populated areas the bombs do not distinguish between military and civilians targets, resulting in the death and maiming of many. Often the bomblets fail to detonate on impact and remain on the ground as live duds. “

Working with the church, says Kerryn, allows her to make a positive difference in the world. “We have had civilian survivors (of cluster bombs) visit our churches; they are an inspiration. After hearing their stories many are moved to support total disarmament, which is in keeping with Jesus’ message of peace.”

New Zealanders can be proud of their Government’s efforts towards positive change, says Kerryn. “New Zealand has presented a strong diplomatic voice.”

The Right Rev Pamela Tankersley, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, joined other representatives of faith communities in April to sign the Christian World Service call to ban cluster bombs.

On 30 May 2008 in Dublin, Ireland, a total of 111 states, including NATO allies the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and France, formally adopted the Cluster Munitions Convention. This historic treaty bans the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of all existing and future cluster bombs. Existing weapons must be destroyed within eight years. However, a new policy recently announced by the United States, which did not take part in the Convention process, will see continued use of its large cluster bomb stockpile for at least another decade.

To find out more on the campaign to ban cluster munitions visit:

www.banclusterbombs.org.nz

By Angela Singer