AP Mine Ban Convention Community News - March 2019

Download the complete newsletter here!

On 1 March Convention partners gathered around the world to commemorate 20 years of action towards a mine-free world. Convention President Norway, hosted events at United Nations in Geneva and New York with among others the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNICEF and UNHCR.

 

In Geneva, Human Rights High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet spoke of the importance of the Convention and its approach to victim assistance which “has shown unambiguously how an international convention can result in greater respect for, and protection of, fundamental rights. Its human rights-based approach is key part of its legacy”, she said.

Over 30 delegations participated in the event.

Convention friends also faced the cold and wind at an open air ceremony before the iconic Jet d’eau in Geneva.

 

The fountain was illuminated in blue to commemorate 20 years of action, remember those fallen victim to mines and recall the work that remains to be done to achieve the mine-free ambition.

On 26 February, Norway led the Fourth Pledging Conference opened by H.E. Audun Halvorsen, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; 41 delegations participated including 31 States Parties.

The ISU and Sponsorship Programme received a number of contributions including from mine-affected States Parties Mozambique and Sri Lanka.

Download videos and photos of the conference here, and find statements and final report here.

 

 

 

Important upcoming dates

• 3 April: Informal meeting in Geneva to provide practical and substantive information about the Oslo Review Conference and its preparatory process.
• 4 April: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action – Norway, UNMAS, University of Geneva, ICBL and UNODA to host a public discussion on the need to “Take action for a safer world”.
• Norway will also participate in the unveiling of a GICHD public photo exhibit in Geneva. “Life of Mine” on display until 5 May.
  View the exhibit virtually.
• Next on the President's agenda: From 8-11 April, Ambassador Brattskar will visit the Balkan region to participate in the Symposium on Mine Action in Slano, Croatia, and visit the mine clearance programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  Reach the Convention’s Presidency via email: mineban(at)mfa.no.
• 30 April: Article 7 transparency reports are due.

 

For more information, contact the Convention's Implementation Support Unit, isu@apminebanconvention.org