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Mine Clearance: Summary and Statements

Monday 21 June

1. Opening of the meeting

The meeting was opened by its Co-Chairs, Ambassador Yoshiki Mine of Japan and H.E. Sam Sotha of Cambodia, with the support of its Co-Rapporteurs Ms. Nassima Baghli of Algeria and Ms. Anneli Lindahl-Kenney of Sweden.

2. General overview on the status of implementation

H.E. Sam Sotha made a brief statement on the general status of implementation, followed by a statement by Ms. Sara Sekkenes on behalf of the ICBL.

  • Statement by H.E. Sam Sotha, Co-Chair
  • Presentation by the ICBL

In addition, the Co-Chair introduced a detailed document prepared by the Implementation Support Unit of the GICHD containing an overview of the mine affected States Parties' problems, plans, progress and priorities for assistance.

  • Progress in implementing Article 5 Background information compiled by the Implementation Support Unit of the GICHD PDF 1.5MB

3. Updates from relevant States Parties on the status of implementation

The following States Parties provided updates on the problems they face, their plans, progress and priorities for assistance pertaining to their Article 5 obligations:

The meeting adjourned until Tuesday morning.

Tuesday 22 June

3. Updates from relevant States Parties on the status of implementation

The following States Parties provided updates on the problems they face, their plans, progress and priorities for assistance pertaining to their Article 5 obligations:

In addition, Nigeria highlighted that it had submitted its initial transparency report which indicates that Nigeria does not have areas containing anti-personnel mines. In addition, Guatemala made a presentation on behalf of Central American States Parties and the President-Designate of the First Review Conference shared his views.

4. Updates from those in a position to do regarding assistance and cooperation

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) made a scene-setting presentation on the topic of assistance and cooperation by highlighting the matter of mainstreaming mine action into development. In addition, the following States and organizations provided updates or shared views:

5. Update on activities: Organization of American States

Mr. Bill McDonough, head of the Organization of American States' (OAS) mine action programme made a detailed presentation on the OAS's activities.

6. Mine risk education: overview of progress made and challenges that remain

Mr. Stan Brabant of Handicap International, on behalf of the ICBL Mine Risk Education Working Group and UNICEF, made a detailed presentation on the state-of-play of mine risk education.

  • ICBL Mine Risk Education Working Group / UNICEF

7. Survey of progress made and ongoing work in mine action technologies

The Co-Chair informed the Standing Committee that the day before the meeting an informal group of experts had met to hold detailed discussions on the state of mine action technologies. Professor Marc Acheroy of Belgium, coordinator of the informal group, was called upon to provide a summary of the group's discussions.

  • Presentation by Professor Marc Acheroy of Belgium PDF 115KB

In addition, technology experts from the following States Parties made presentations or provided updates:

8. Closure of the meeting

Co-Chair H.E. Sam Sotha of Cambodia brought the meeting to a close.

  • Statement by H.E. Sam Sotha, Co-Chair