Minister for Foreign Affairs reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation

An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha Preas Ráiteas

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Minister for Foreign Affairs reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, T.D., has granted significant support in 2008, totalling almost a quarter of a million Euros, to a number of humanitarian and disarmament NGOs whose activities dovetail with Irish foreign policy objectives. 2008 has been a year in which Ireland has, again, performed very strongly, particularly in driving forward efforts to secure a ban on cluster munitions. This hard work culminated in the adoption in Croke Park in May of the Convention on Cluster Munitions and its signature by almost 100 States in Oslo in December. Ireland’s focus now shifts to ensuring that the greatest number of States sign and ratify the Convention and that it enters into force in 2009. Civil society will have a valuable role to play in achieving these goals, particularly with regard to victim assistance and clearance. The Minister is pleased to contribute to their efforts in a tangible way and continue Ireland’s long-standing support for their humanitarian endeavours.

The Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) is the umbrella body for over 250 NGOs who are active on the issue of cluster munitions and has been a major partner in Ireland’s work. CMC has been awarded €50,000 towards its ongoing efforts to generate awareness of the cluster munitions issue and the role it will play in the coming year in securing as many signatories and ratifications as possible to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) is one of the most active elements of the CMC and campaigns in its own right on both landmines and cluster munitions. It was previously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its work on landmines and the same spirit of dedication and determination informs its more recent work on cluster munitions. ICBL has been awarded €30,000 towards its work in these areas and in preparing for the Second Review Conference of the Mine Ban Convention (the Ottawa Convention) in Colombia in 2009.

Under the auspices of ICBL, Landmine Monitor is the authoritative research and monitoring initiative which reports on States’ compliance with their obligations under the Mine Ban Convention. Ireland has consistently supported its activities in this area and warmly welcomes the intention to extend its range to cover entry into force, universalisation and implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. In support of this comprehensive approach, Landmine Monitor has been awarded €30,000.

The activities of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention) are greatly facilitated by a modest Implementation Support Unit (ISU) based in Geneva. Its workload has increased significantly as deadlines approach for the removal of emplaced mines and the destruction of stockpiles. In recognition of its valuable work, a contribution of €20,000 has been made in 2008.

Handicap International has been instrumental in mobilising survivors of cluster munitions explosions to campaign for an effective ban on these horrendous weapons. Through their vivid testimony and indomitable spirit, the Ban Advocates have borne witness and been convincing campaigners. The grant of €10,000 will assist in this very important work and is recognition of the unique contribution made by the Ban Advocates to achieving a ban on cluster munitions.

While a key focus in 2008 has been cluster munitions, significant funding for projects in other areas within the disarmament and non-proliferation remit has also been provided.

From 27 – 28 March this year, the Middle Powers Initiative (MPI), a group of eight international NGOs working with states to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons, hosted their annual Article VI Forum in Dublin Castle facilitated by a grant of €22,800. The forum provided the opportunity to focus the attention of Governments, civil society and the wider public on the threat and key challenges posed by the continued existence of nuclear weapons. The timing of the Forum this year was particularly important, as preparations gear up for the 2010 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a treaty with which Ireland has a long and close association.

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is a major scourge in world efforts towards peace and security. Ireland is committed to working to working to address this challenge to disarmament and development.

The International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) is the global movement against gun violence with a network of 800 civil society organisations working in 120 countries to stop the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW). IANSA has been granted €8,455 towards its work to provide the most up to date material to NGOs located in zones of conflict that would otherwise have no opportunity to access such information.

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), an autonomous institute within the United Nations, conducts research on disarmament and security with the aim of assisting the international community in their disarmament thinking, decisions and efforts. Through its research projects, publications, meetings and expert networks, UNIDIR promotes creative thinking and dialogue on the disarmament and security challenges of today and of tomorrow and a contribution of €19,000 was awarded to UNIDIR for their phase III Small Arms and Light Weapons project.

The Geneva Forum is a joint initiative of the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) in Geneva, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and the Programme for Strategic and International Security Studies (PSIS), with a strong track record. Its project "Clearing Paths to Progress in Disarmament and Arms Control" promotes more inclusive, informed and effective multilateral policy-making on issues of human security and received almost €30,000 in 2008.

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5 January 2009

Press Office