Sample Letter to Non-Signatories: Members of the Commonwealth

(Thursday 14 February 2002 London) Send a letter like this sample to your government if it is a Non-Signatory to the Mine Ban Treaty and member of the Commonwealth.

(Date)
(Name)
(Address)

Dear (Name),

We are writing to encourage you to give attention to the important issue of antipersonnel landmines on the agenda of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), being held 2-5 March 2002 in Coolum, Queensland, Australia.

Of the 54 Commonwealth member states, 14 have not ratified or acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty. It is very clear that ratification or accession and full implementation of the treaty are in keeping with the Commonwealth Principles. The Edinburgh declaration from the 1997 Heads of Government Meeting stated that “an effective solution to the global problem of anti-personnel mines would only be possible through effective international co-operation in all relevant fora including… regional organizations and groupings.”

We encourage X to join 122 States Parties, including 40 fellow Commonwealth member states, and immediately accede to the Mine Ban Treaty. Your support is essential if we are to meet our common goal of a landmine-free world. If there is anything we can do to assist with your accession process please let us know. We also encourage you to work with other Commonwealth member states to ensure that this important issue is included in the final meeting declaration.

Thank you in advance for ensuring that the antipersonnel landmine issue is incorporated into the agenda of this upcoming meeting and for your continued support and action as we work together in the spirit and letter of the Mine Ban Treaty to create a mine-free world.

Sincerely,

(Name)
(Address)