Disarmament Education UN Implementation Fund open for applications

Media Release 08 May 2009


Disarmament Education UN Implementation Fund open for applications

The Disarmament Education UN Implementation Fund is now receiving applications for the 2009 funding round.

The Fund assists New Zealand Non-Government Organisations in implementing the recommendations of the 2002 United Nations’ Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education. The Study focuses on the need for education and training to achieve the ultimate goal of general and complete disarmament under effective international control.

The Fund makes grants to provide for costs related to the administration and running of education programmes by New Zealand NGOs which promote greater public understanding of disarmament matters.

In 2008, the United Nations Association of New Zealand was awarded $18,000 to assist with their efforts to attract more attention in New Zealand, and throughout the world, to the harm that civilians suffer in modern warfare and to encourage mediation to prevent conflicts becoming violent. This funding has supported the United Nations Association of New Zealand 2009 National Conference, Model UN programmes, the National Speech Award to Secondary Schools, and a lecture series.

The International Association of Lawyers against Nuclear Arms Pacific Office was awarded $17,000 in 2008 towards their Disarmament Education project. This project aims to educate government and NGOs with the circulation of a Model Nuclear Weapons Convention, which explores the legal, technical and political elements required to achieve and maintain a nuclear weapons free world.

Applications to the Fund must be received prior to 31 May 2009. These will be considered by the Public Advisory Committee on Disarmament and Arms Control.

To obtain an application form, or to learn more about the Fund, visit the Department of Internal Affairs’ website: www.dia.govt.nz or phone 0800 824 824.

ENDS

Media contact
Shawn Hollister, Senior Communications Advisor, Department of Internal Affairs, Local Government and Community Branch, phone (04) 495 7298 or email shawn.hollister@dia.govt.nz