Res. No. 1094
Title
Resolution calling upon President Clinton to sign and Congress to ratify the treaty banning the production and use of anti-personnel land mines.
Body
By Council Members Carrion, Boyland, Eisland, Freed, Lopez, Marshall, Moskowitz, Nelson, Perkins, Reed, Rodriguez, Warden; also Council Members Foster, Harrison, Koslowitz, Michels and Quinn
Whereas, Land mines are explosive devices that are strategically placed in the path of an enemy to hinder their movement; and
Whereas, Every 22 minutes, someone is maimed or killed by a land mine; and
Whereas, Land mines have killed or maimed more than a million people since 1975; and
Whereas, Every year 26,000 civilians, including 8,000-10,000 children, are killed or permanently disabled by land mines; and
Whereas, Because of their small size, a landmine designed to maim an adult cam easily kill a child. Sadly, many children set off landmines accidentially, thinking that they are toys; and
Whereas, There are close to 110 million land mines buried in more than 70 countries; and
Whereas, Large tracts of land suitable for agricultural use are rendered unusable due to the presence of mines; and
Whereas, The treaty promulgated by the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and Their Destruction was signed by 135 countries, and ratified by 53 countries; and
Whereas, The absence of the signature and ratification of the treaty by the United States, a country that is home to several of the largest manufacturers of land mines in the world, has hindered the effectiveness of the convention; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, The Council of the City of New York calls upon President Clinton to sign and Congress to ratify the treaty banning the production and use of anti-personnel land mines.
Referred to the Committee on Parks, Recreation, Cultural Affairs & International Intergroup Relations.
LS#2081
O9/30/1999