In depth
The Mine Ban Treaty review conference and the disarmament agenda
The first monograph feature of Peace in Progress magazine looks at the disarmament and arms control agenda, in the context of the second mine ban treaty review conference, which is taking place in the city of Cartagena in Colombia, in November. We therefore start with a general overview of the subject and assess the importance of nuclear weapons compared to small and light weapons, with the article by Rafael Grasa. Maria Josep Parés then presents the objectives and challenges facing the Cartagena Conference, and considers the choice of Colombia as the venue for the Conference.
After a treaty has been signed and ratified, the objectives of international coalitions are broadened. First, they need to ensure that the treaty is implemented effectively (that the states finance it and that the fieldwork is done, often directly by NGOs that are members of the coalition). Second, they have to continue campaigning on issues that were not included in the final version of the text. Javier Alcalde looks at two vehicles related to the mine ban treaty: the Landmine Monitor and the Geneva Call's Deed of Commitment. Tica Font then looks at the possible flaws in the recent cluster bombs treaty. Finally, Jordi Armadans gives us an overview of the disarmament campaigns over the last 20 years, both in Spain and internationally.
To complete this special monograph issue, we include an interview with Doug Weir, the co-ordinator of the international network against depleted uranium weapons. This initiative aims to learn from other successes of international civil society, such as the campaigns against landmines and cluster bombs.