A sample lobbying letter...to inspire you!
Dear [FOREIGN MINISTER],
Please join me in condemning the recent use of antipersonnel landmines by Iraqi forces and urge all parties involved to provide assurances that they will not use any type of antipersonnel mine in the conflict in Iraq.
Reuters reported on 20 March that Iraqi troops were laying mines near the Kuwaiti border when they were intercepted by U.S. Marines. There have been other reports that Iraqi forces were laying mines around Kirkuk in the north and elsewhere in the country and more, as yet unconfirmed, reports of use by armed opposition groups in Northern Iraq (Iraqi Kurdistan).
Mine warfare breaches customary international humanitarian law and contravenes the spirit of the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. It will add to Iraq's already grave mine problem, put at risk civilians, peacekeepers and soldiers alike and hamper post-conflict reconstruction.
As a State Party to the landmine convention we urge you to respond loudly and clearly to this and any subsequent, landmine use.
Sincerely,
