September 2009
Parlatino calls for a moratorium on uranium weapons
A Costa Rican politician leads the push for regional action on depleted uranium weapons in the Latin American Parliament as the Human Rights Committee accepts a wide-ranging resolution.
British jury rules that DU was likely cause of dead Gulf Veteran's colon cancer
In a landmark ruling, an inquest jury rules that exposure to depleted uranium in the 1991 Gulf War was the likely cause of the colon cancer that killed British veteran Stuart Dyson, in June 2008.
Dave Cullen joins ICBUW as its new researcher
After a lengthy recruitment process, ICBUW introduces its new staff member, Researcher Dave Cullen: a position funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
ICBUW launches itself on the micro-blogging site Twitter
July 2009
The Belgian parliament votes unanimously to ban depleted uranium weapon investments
On the 2nd of July, the Belgian Parliament unanimously approves a law forbidding the financing of the manufacture, use and possession of depleted uranium weapons.
Greek NGOs appeal to parliamentarians to support uranium weapon ban
Following the passage of Belgium's domestic ban, campaigners in Greece call on their government to follow suit with similar legislation.
Parliamentary report reveals that New Zealand's military supports DU ban
A report by the New Zealand Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee reveals that the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is against the use of uranium weapons by its allies in joint operations but stops short of supporting a domestic ban.
US Army think tank urges Army Secretariat to accelerate search for alternatives to DU
It emerges that a think tank that issues recommendations to the US Army over ways to mitigate its environmental impact has urged planners to accelerate the search for alternatives due to the growing international opposition to depleted uranium weapons.
German Bundeswehr manual challenges US and UK denials over depleted uranium in Afghanistan
A classified German Army manual throws doubt over US and UK assurances that no depleted uranium munitions have been used in Afghanistan.
Basrah Epidemiology Study team meets in Turkey
Members of ICBUW and IPPNW-Germany meet with experts from the Basrah Cancer Research Group (BCRG) in Istanbul, Turkey for an update on the activities of an epidemiological study project in Basrah and to discuss future research plans, which will be funded partly by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
June 2009
UK Uranium Weapons Network launched as Belgium becomes first country to ban depleted uranium weapons
June 21st marks the passage into force of Belgium’s 2007 decision to ban the use of uranium in all conventional weapons and armour after a series of unanimous parliamentary votes and a ban on all government investments in the manufacturers of the weapons.
Dutch NGO IKV Pax Christi launch Time for Clarity - a report on uranium weapons
Time for Clarity calls on the Dutch government to implement a moratorium on uranium weapons and release money for studies into their health and environmental impact.
May 2009
DU exhibition opens at Berlin's Anti-War Museum
German campaigners produce Germany's first major exhibition on uranium weapons in Berlin.
April 2009
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs agrees to fund ICBUW research projects
The Norwegian government agrees to fund three ICBUW research projects in an effort to increase the international community’s understanding of the impact and proliferation of uranium weapons.
Scottish politicians come under pressure to support EU uranium weapon moratorium
The Scottish government comes under mounting pressure to back an international ban on the use of depleted uranium (DU) in weapons.
Belgian Senate approves prohibition on financing of depleted uranium weapons
Belgium’s Senate vote to ban the financing of companies that manufacture or sell uranium weapons, in a move that will complement the country’s imminent ban on their manufacture, testing, use, sale and stockpiling that will come into force on June 20th 2009.
March 2009
Costa Rica to ban depleted uranium weapons
President of the Latin American Parliament’s Human Rights Commission and member of Costa Rica’s legislative assembly Alexander Mora Mora releases a draft for a comprehensive ban on uranium weapons in Costa Rica.
Latin American Conference on Uranium Weapons
Two day conference in San Jose, Costa Rica looks at all aspects of uranium weapons. Topics include uranium weapon contamination on US ranges in Panama, sick Italian veterans and plans for a domestic ban in Costa Rica.
Parlatino considers depleted uranium weapon ban
The Latin American Parliament considers a resolution on uranium weapons after Costa Rican parliamentarian Alexander Mora Mora introduces his draft law proposal at a meeting in Buenos Aires.
February 2009
UK Co-operative Bank ceases all investment in DU weapon manufacturers
Co-op becomes the first UK bank to cease investments in DU weapon manufacturers, classifying uranium weapons along with cluster bombs as indiscriminate.
Human Cost of Uranium Weapons Exhibition in Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh.
The Campaign Against Depleted Uranium (CADU) and ICBUW hold an exhibition and seminar in the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. The events are sponsored by two MSPs Patrick Harvie (Greens) and Alasdair Morgan (Scottish Nationalist Party) and funded by the Andrew Wainwright Reform Trust.
January 2009
€30m veterans’ DU compensation package approved by Italian Cabinet
Italian compensation package agreed after Ministry of Defence convinces government of link between ill health and DU exposure. Health survey of personnel who served overseas is to follow.
December 2008
141 states support second uranium weapons resolution in UN General Assembly vote
The United Nations General Assembly passes, by a huge majority, a resolution requesting its agencies to update their positions on the health and environmental effects of uranium weapons.
November 2008
Nordic Network Against Uranium Weapons established in Oslo
The network aims to coordinate campaigns against uranium weapons in all five Nordic countries and share skills and experience.
October 2008
ICBUW in New York
ICBUW members visit New York to meet with state delegations and run a workshop in the United Nations ahead of a second resolution on uranium weapons.
United Nations First Committee overwhelmingly backs new uranium weapons resolution
127 states back a second resolution highlighting health concerns over the use of uranium in conventional weapons. Several key states including Norway, the Netherlands and Finland change their positions to back the resolution. The resolution calls the IAEA, WHO and UNEP to update their positions on DU by 2010.
September 2008
UN Secretary General publishes report on DU weapons
In response to 2007's General Assembly Resolution, the UN Secretary General published a report on the use of uranium weapons. The report contains the opinions of 19 states plus those of the IAEA, WHO and UNEP. States were split 50/50 on the issue with several calling for an outright ban. NATO members Germany, Spain and the Netherlands didn't.
August 2008
New Zealand Parliament's Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade takes evidence on the DU issue
Anti-DU champion and Belgian member of Parliament Dirk Van der Maelen presents evidence on all aspects of the DU issue, including the health and environmental effects, science, interoperability with militaries that use DU weapons, the relationship to the campaign for a treaty prohibiting DU, the politics of national prohibitions on DU, parallels with the cluster munitions and landmine campaigns, the role of parliamentarians and the latest on the Belgian ban on DU weapons.
April 2008
ICBUW at the United Nations in Geneva
ICBUW and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom run a workshop for delegations at the UN; 26 states participate in: ‘Toward a Uranium Weapons Treaty', while others attend an informal working group to discuss practical solutions to the problem.
March 2008
Costa Rican politicians seek domestic ban
Costa Rica's National Liberation Party begins work on a draft law proposal to ban uranium weapons in Costa Rica. Plans are made to organise an international conference on uranium weapons in San José with a focus on Latin American states.
DU Ban Petition submitted to New Zealand House of Representatives
New Zealand NGOs begin work on a campaign to see New Zealand following in Belgium's footsteps with a domestic ban on uranium weapons; they are encouraged by New Zealand's support of the Oslo Process on cluster munitions.
February 2008
Dutch Commission on Defence hears evidence of DU's harm
After a hearing on the effects on DU weapons in the Second Chamber in Den Haag, the Dutch Parliament agrees to discuss the investigation into contaminated Italian veterans. Witnesses include Dr Keith Baverstock and campaigners Henk van der Keur and John La Forge.
Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs acknowledges need for uranium weapons treaty
"The government is well aware of the health and environmental effects of the use of weapons containing depleted uranium and does not see any reason to underestimate problems connected with uranium weapons. On the contrary, the government considers tackling the negative effects of uranium weapons important and considers a ban on weapons containing depleted uranium an important goal."
European Parliament establishes a DU Working Group
Cross party committee set up to try and tackle the DU problem, several questions are submitted to the European Commission and Council, work begins on a wide-ranging resolution requesting a global DU ban.
UK politicians and NGOs condemn renewed DU test firing
The Scottish Environment Minister and Green and Scottish Nationalist Members of the Scottish Parliament join forces to condemn the UK Ministry of Defence’s decision to renew uranium weapon testing at its firing range near Dundrennan on the Solway Firth in southern Scotland. During the five days of testing it emerges that the UK's ageing DU ammunition has past its reliable usage date.
December 2007
UN General Assembly passes DU resolution
On December 5th, 136 countries vote in favour of a resolution highlighting serious health concerns over the use of depleted uranium weapons.
Joint Communiqué by Scientists
69 prominent scientists from around the world sign a communiqué voicing concern over the use of DU weapons in response to the General Assembly resolution
Japanese NGOs lobby the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo
Earlier in the year, 129 NGOs and 563 individuals from across Japan submit a letter requesting a total ban on DU, research into areas affected by its use and support for victims. The Ministry responds: “We might consider some new factors to work on this issue, though we are still in the early stages of planning any activities.”
Italy agrees to the first ever wide scale compensation package for DU contaminated veterans
In early December, the Italian Ministry of Defence gives evidence to the Italian parliament for a second time over concerns about the level of cancers in Italian troops and peacekeepers. The Commission on DU, based in the Senate, hears that the latest estimate of cancer victims has risen to 77 dead and 312 ill. Public pressure results in a 170 million Euro compensation package for veterans suffering from post-conflict illnesses
November 2007
UN First Committee passes DU resolution in landslide vote
The resolution entitled 'Effects of the use of armaments and ammunitions containing depleted uranium' is passed by 122 votes to six at the UN First Committee in New York; with 35 abstentions. The resolution urges UN member states to re-examine the health hazards posed by the use of uranium weapons.
International Day of Action
On November 6th ICBUW member organizations launch a global disinvestment campaign against investments by high street banks and investment companies around the world in the manufacturers of uranium weapons. Actions take place at banks worldwide.
Vice-President of the European Parliament again calls for tougher EU action on DU
"The European Union should set an example for the International Community for a worldwide moratorium on Uranium weapons” urges Luisa Morgantini, Vice-President of the European Parliament.
Researchers identify DU contamination in US civilians 20 years after exposure
Prof. Randall Parrish and his team from the University of Leicester, UK, find high levels of DU contamination in residents and workers near a metals smelting plant in the town of Colonie, upstate New York.
ICBUW launches on Facebook
ICBUW launches a campaigning page on the social networking site Facebook.
October 2007
Uranium Weapons: Contributing to a Dangerous World
ICBUW holds a two-day conference at the UN Church Centre in New York. Speakers from across the world deliver the latest information on domestic campaigns, scientific research and legal arguments in favour of a ban. Coalition members follow the event with meetings with state delegations.
September 2007
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Backs Uranium Weapons Ban
The Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists gives his support for ICBUW's campaign for a global ban on uranium weapons.
May 2007
The Human Cost of Uranium Weapons Photo Exhibition
ICBUW and the Greens/EFA Group in the European parliament hold a photo exhibition by Naomi Toyoda in the European Parliament in Brussels.
Vice-President of European Parliament calls on Italy to ban uranium weapons
Luisa Morgantini MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament, calls on the Italian government to ban uranium weapons.
March 2007
Belgium Bans Uranium Weapons and Armour
They were first with land mines, first with cluster bombs, Belgium becomes the first country in the world to ban uranium weapons.
ICBUW seminar at the UN in Geneva
ICBUW and WILPF hold a well-attended lunchtime seminar in the UN in Geneva entitled: Working for a Ban on Uranium Munitions.
ICBUW in Costa Rica
At the end of March ICBUW representatives Damacio Lopez and US Veteran Herbert Reed visited Costa Rica for a series of high-level talks with the government of the Central American state.
January 2007
EUROMIL - The European Military Union Call For Global DU Ban
EUROMIL strongly urges governments to ban the use of DU weapons and to use their influence to appeal to their worldwide partners to abandon the use of uranium weapons.
November 2006
European Parliament Makes Fourth Call for DU Ban
The European Parliament adopts a resolution in which they call: "upon the EU and its Member States to work hard to ensure that the scope of Protocol III to the CCW on Incendiary Weapons is expanded in order to prevent the further use of white phosphorus shells against military and civilian targets and to stop the use of (depleted) uranium warheads;"(paragr.11)
ICBUW submits report on DU to the United Nations
ICBUW uses the occasion of the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflicts to urge the U.N. to consider a ban on uranium weapons, specifically depleted uranium weapons, which have been used in at least four wars and most recently in urban areas in the Iraq War of 2003.
Hearing held in Belgian Parliament
Members of the Kamer Defence Commission hear evidence from Dr. Keith Baverstock (University of Kuopio, Finland), Henk Van der Keur (Laka Foundation), Sylvano Faccin (Mecar), on the long term consequences of the use of depleted uranium weapons. It goes on to catalyse the Belgian domestic ban on uranium weapons.
Finnish lobbying begins
Following the IPPNW World Congress where DU features heavily, Finnish campaigners begin lobbying their government over DU.
August 2006
Third International Conference held in Hiroshima
The 3rd ICBUW International Conference is held in Hiroshima between August 3rd-6th. More than 1000 participants, including more than 40 people from 12 different countries and many more from all over Japan, attend the proceedings.
November 2005
European Parliament Makes Third Call For Moratorium On Uranium Weapons
On the 17th November 2005, the European Parliament issue, for the third time, a call for a moratorium on the use of so-called ‘depleted’ uranium munitions.
June 2005
International Conference to Ban Uranium Weapons in the European Parliament in Brussels
ICBUW organises an international conference in the European Parliament in Brussels. Members of Parliament and scientists participate in a debate and workshops.