New Zealand fundraiser for Cambodian landmine survivors

Annual Mine Ban Treaty meeting to open in Phnom Penh on November 28th

(Wellington: 7 October 2011) –The New Zealand Campaign Against Landmines (CALM) is fundraising for Cambodian landmine survivors ahead of the Mine Ban Treaty’s annual meeting to be held in Phnom Penh in seven weeks time.

“Over the past twenty years, Cambodia has made great progress in eradicating landmines, but survivors of this weapon face life-long needs,” said Mary Wareham, CALM Coordinator. “We hope that New Zealanders respond generously to this fundraising initiative.”

CALM is holding an online Trade Me auction of a dozen carry bags made from local materials by women landmine survivors in Kandal Province, Cambodia. Proceeds from the auction will be provided to Jesuit Service Cambodia for the construction of accessible housing for landmine survivors and mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

Cambodia is one of the most mine-affected countries in the world. According to Landmine Monitor, there are approximately 44,000 survivors of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Cambodia. In 2009, there were a total of 244 landmine and ERW casualties in the country.

“New Zealand’s commitment to eradicating landmines didn’t end back in 1997 when we signed the Mine Ban Treaty,” said Wareham. “New Zealand must continue its support to mine victim assistance projects in Cambodia and other affected countries.”

The Mine Ban Treaty’s Eleventh Meeting of States Parties is due to be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from 28 November–2 December 2011. Representatives from more than 100 countries, including New Zealand, are expected to attend. A total of 157 countries have joined the Treaty, most recently Tuvalu on 13 September 2011. The Mine Ban Treaty comprehensively prohibits antipersonnel mines and requires their clearance.

The New Zealand Campaign to Ban Landmines is a long-standing member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), 1997 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. CALM is a sister campaign to the Aotearoa New Zealand Cluster Munition Coalition (ANZCMC).

Both CALM and the ANZCMC are governed jointly by a working group comprised of the following groups: Amnesty International Aotearoa NZ, Caritas Aotearoa NZ, Christian World Service, Engineers for Social Responsibility NZ, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War NZ, National Council of Women NZ, National Consultative Committee on Disarmament, Oxfam NZ, Peace Movement Aotearoa, Soroptimist International NZ, United Nations Association NZ, United Nations Youth Association NZ, UNICEF NZ, and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Aotearoa.

For more information, contact Mary Wareham, CALM. Tel. (021) 996-905

For more information, see:
* CALM website – www.calm.org.nz
* TradeMe auction – http://bit.ly/rb3tau
* Photos of the bags – http://bit.ly/ouO0NN
* Landmine Monitor 2011 Cambodia - http://bit.ly/ralBLU
Information for making a donation direct to CALM by 20 November 2011:

Account Name: Campaign Against Landmines NZ (CALM)
Bank Account: Westpac A/c 030502 0185340 00

About the Bags

Show your support the ban on landmines by helping mine victims in Cambodia

Over the course of October 2011, the New Zealand Campaign Against Landmines is auctioning twelve unisex hand-made bags in variety of colours: four in the week ending Thurs. 13 October, four by Thurs. 20 October, and four by Weds. 27 October. Typically worn at hip height, these Monk Bags are excellent for carrying textbooks and clothes. Handmade from local materials by women landmine survivors in Kandal Province, Cambodia, the proceeds from the one-off sale of these unique bags will be provided to Jesuit Service Cambodia in November 2011. The funds will be used for the construction of accessible housing for landmine survivors and locally-made mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

Bag specifications:
* 370mm across
* 320mm tall + 540mm-long strap
* 2 x roomy external pockets and 2 x internal pockets including one with a zipper
* Finely crafted with care and attention
Please note
* Starting bid is $15.00 NZ dollars
* Postage is $4.20 anywhere in New Zealand or they can be picked up from central Wellington
* Receipts will be issued by the New Zealand Campaign Against Landmines (CALM) upon request
* Payment/contact must be made to CALM’s bank account within 5 working days of payment instructions being sent
* This auction is intended for New Zealand bidders, but overseas bids will be considered.

ENDS

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