ANNEX IV

PRESIDENT’S ACTION PROGRAMME

The aim of the President's Action Programme is to define practical steps to be taken in order to help in the implementation of the Convention. It provides a roadmap of the specific initiatives and activities that are envisaged for the intersessional period as well as topics and areas that require particular attention with regard to strengthening the implementation of the Convention.

In developing their work plans for the 2001-2002 Standing Committees, the Co-Chairs and Co-Rapporteurs are encouraged to pursue the implementation of the relevant portions of the President's Action Programme. In addition, States Parties and other parties are urged to consider participating in the implementation of the initiatives and activities listed in this document. In addition, to assist in the coordination of our collective efforts, the President's Action Programme includes a rolling calendar of future mine action activities that are consistent with this objective. (See annex)

On the basis of the recommendations of the Standing Committees, the President has identified the following priorities for actions to be taken in the coming year:

Enhance the inclusion of landmine survivors:

With the aim of deepening the involvement of landmine survivors in matters that affect them and other persons with disabilities, the Landmine Survivors Network will expand the "Raising the Voices" programme. This programme will continue to provide training to landmine survivors, enabling their participation in Standing Committee meetings and enhancing their capacity to undertake advocacy projects and provide leadership in their communities.

Improve assessment of victim assistance needs:

In order to obtain a more comprehensive view of the global victim assistance needs, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) Working Group on Victim Assistance will continue to develop various indicators. In addition, the Co-Chairs of the Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration will work with other interested parties to ensure that victim assistance information initiatives progress to the point where relevant information can be shared with and used by the Standing Committee.

Link resources with needs:

The ICBL Working Group on Victim Assistance will continue to produce and distribute the Portfolio of Victim Assistance Programmes in order to promote funding of identified programmes and to provide States Parties with a tool to link donor resources with victim assistance needs.

Implement lessons learned in coordination of victim assistance:

Handicap International will report to the Standing Committee on the results of the South East Asia workshop on victim assistance to take place in Thailand, November 6-8, 2001. United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) will further update the next Standing Committee Meeting on the study about the relationship between mine action programmes and victim assistance, with an aim to translate the anticipated results into realistic actions.

Disseminate guidelines and best practices:

The Co-Chairs will continue to encourage states to identify focal points for victim assistance and distribute updated lists of focal points at Standing Committee meetings. In addition, the Co-Chairs will distribute to focal points the compilation of victim assistance guidelines, best practices and methodologies, which was developed by the former Co-Chairs.

Promoting lessons learned from socio-economic reintegration practices:

The ICBL Working Group on Victim Assistance will continue to investigate means to enhance peer-support initiatives aimed at landmine survivors sharing information and experiences, identifying progresses and shortcomings, and gathering of relevant documentation on the subject.

Set priorities to assist mine-affected countries to comply with mine-clearance obligations:

As financial resources are scarce and all mine-affected States Parties in need of international assistance should be supported in order to be able to meet their obligations,, the identification of priorities for mine action programmes as well as the allocation of resources for such programmes is important. This prioritization should be undertaken with a view to assist all mine-affected countries in their efforts to comply with the mine-clearance obligations of the Convention. The Co-Chairs of the Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Awareness and Mine Action Technologies and the ICBL Mine Action Working Group will continue to promote this topic during future meetings of the Standing Committee.

Involve local communities in mine clearance:

The close involvement of mine affected communities in planning and implementing mine clearance operations, as well as in mine awareness and victim assistance initiatives, has been identified as central to the success of such activities. The Co-Chairs will therefore seek means to promote a greater understanding of this approach, which is outlined in the Bad Honnef guidelines and other documents, on the part of those involved in sponsoring or undertaking mine clearance operations.

Enhance the mine action capacities of affected States:

Through past efforts of the Standing Committee, it is now widely understood that the development and enhancement of mine clearance capacities at all levels within mine affected States is an important element in ensuring that States Parties can fulfil their responsibility to clear mined areas in accordance with Article 5. With a view to identifying practical means to enhance these capacities and hence ensure sustainability, the Co-Chairs will continue a dialogue on relevant matters such as the work undertaken by the UNDP and other humanitarian mine action NGOs to train mine clearance personnel as well as those involved in the management of mine action programmes.

Implement and disseminate standards for mine action:

The UN will translate and widely disseminate the UN International Standards for Mine Action (IMAS), once they are finalized, in order to ensure their widespread use and effective implementation. In addition, Co-Chairs will encourage the UN to translate and update the Standards in response to input experience from field operators.

Increase use of socio-economic analysis in planning and evaluating mine action:

To promote mine clearance being considered in the broader context of reconstruction, development and peace-building, the UNDP and the GICHD recently completed the Study of Socio-Economic Approaches to Mine Action. In addition, the UNDP and the GICHD will continue to develop a Handbook, which is expected to be finalized by the end of 2001. Co-Chairs will encourage parties to provide resources necessary for its translation and wide dissemination. The humanitarian mine-clearance community will seek to incorporate recent complementary initiatives on social economic analysis in planning and evaluating mine action, such as the Land Mine Impact Survey, Task Impact Assessment (NPA), and Community Liaison Mechanisms (MAG).

Enhance the dissemination of mine action information:

In order to support planning and coordination of global mine action efforts through timely dissemination of reliable information, UNMAS, with the assistance of relevant parties, will continue to develop the Electronic Mine Information Network (E-MINE), launched during the Third Meeting of the States Parties. States Parties are encouraged to provide relevant information to this website.

Increase support of Landmine Impact Surveys:

Given the improved quality of information on the socio-economic impact of landmine contamination that flows from Landmine Impact Surveys and the subsequent utility of these surveys in the planning and establishment of priorities for mine clearance, the Survey Action Centre (SAC) will continue to undertake new surveys. In addition, the SAC will provide an update on its activities at the next meeting of the Standing Committee.

The Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) developed by the GICHD in cooperation with the UN, is an important tool for the management of mine action centres. In response to requirements from the field, GICHD will keep reviewing and updating the IMSMA programme. The GICHD will also inform the Standing Committee on the development and dissemination of the IMSMA programme.

Identify technological needs and gaps:

Different technological needs and gaps for mine clearance need to be defined, in part by establishing a priority list of user requirements for new or improved mine detection and removal systems. In this context, members of the ICBL Mine Action Working Group and the GICHD will prepare recommendations for the next meeting of the Standing Committee.

Improve the testing and evaluation of demining equipment:

The past work of the Standing Committee has resulted in the widely held understanding that research and development of mine clearance technologies should be driven by demand from the field and should take into account the need for safety, productivity, cost-effectiveness, availability and sustainability. The Co-Chairs will promote this understanding and facilitate updates on evaluations of how mine clearance equipment is consistent with this understanding.

Improve mine awareness:

The Standing Committee will continue to exchange experiences about different mine awareness programmes paying particular attention to aspects of evaluation, as well as community participation and effective coordination, building on the work of the ICBL Mine Awareness Working Group and UNICEF.

Improve the exchange of information on stockpiled anti-personnel mines:

Information regarding the existence, number and type of stockpiled anti-personnel mines throughout the world needs to be made more readily available; especially in regions of the world where a lack of information is part of the problem. The Co-Chairs of the Standing Committee, together with interested parties, will continue to focus on this topic during future meetings of the Standing Committee and to encourage more countries to provide information on their stockpiles.

Promote regional approaches to stockpile destruction:

Regional seminars and workshops have been useful in raising awareness and exchanging information on stockpile destruction, and regional initiatives like the Managua Challenge have assisted in accelerating the destruction of stockpiled mines. In an effort to build upon past successes, the Co-Chairs, with the support of other interested parties, will assess the extent to which regional approaches can be applied in various parts of the world. In addition, Canada, France and the GICHD will assist African States in planning stockpile destruction through the provision of technical expertise.

Stress the four-year deadline for completing the stockpile destruction process:

With the four-year deadline for completing stockpile destruction approaching for many States, identifying and coordinating the provision of assistance for stockpile destruction must remain a priority for the Standing Committee. In this context, the Co-Chairs will continue to stress the importance of compliance with Article 4 obligations, the political importance of this matter and the need for a productive dialogue between States in need of assistance and those in a position to provide it.

Destroy mines in an efficient and environmentally sound manner:

Certain types of anti-personnel mines, such as the PFM1 mine, can have toxic side effects when they are detonated. The process of stockpile destruction of such mines, therefore, should be carried out in an environmentally sound manner. The Co-Chairs, together with other interested parties, will continue to focus attention on environmental policies as well as risk assessment in implementing stockpile destruction programmes.

Enhance management capacity in support of stockpile destruction:

The successful implementation of stockpile destruction programmes requires a variety of particular managerial skills. As a follow-up of the first APM-Stockpile Destruction Management Training Course, Switzerland will organize a similar training course in the first half of 2002.

4) General Status and Operation of the Convention

Universalization of the Convention:

Canada, working in cooperation with other interested parties, will continue to facilitate the informal and open-ended Universalization Contact Group in order to coordinate efforts to promote ratifications and accessions to the Convention. In this regard, particular attention will be given to those regions where a number of countries have not yet acceded to the Convention.

Encourage compliance with Article 7:

Belgium, working in cooperation with other interested parties, will continue to facilitate the Article 7 Contact Group as a means to encourage high quality and on-time compliance with Article 7 reporting requirements. In this context, the Contact Group will promote the "Guide to reporting under Article 7 of the Ottawa Convention" which was developed by VERTIC as a valuable tool.

Continue dialogue on the Operationalization of Article 8:

Further to its work undertaken during the last intersessional programme on means to facilitate the clarification of concerns about compliance and the operationalization of Article 8, Canada will continue to work with interested parties on this matter.

Clarify matters pertaining to compliance concerns:

Further to discussions during the first two years of intersessional meetings regarding compliance concerns, the Co-Chairs will continue to ensure that these matters are addressed during future meetings of the Standing Committee and that States Parties be encouraged to utilize the mechanisms available in the Convention to seek clarification on allegations of possible non-compliance.

Clarify matters pertaining to mines retained under Article 3:

To further clarify the reasons why mines are retained for training and development under Article 3 and, in particular, to reaffirm the common understanding as regards the amount of mines that can be retained in a manner consistent with Article 3, the Co-Chairs of the Standing Committee General Status and Operation together with other interested parties will continue to ensure that this topic is raised during future meetings of the Standing Committee.

Clarify matters pertaining to the interpretation of Article 1(c):

In order to reach a common understanding on the interpretation of the term "assist" in Article 1(c), as soon as possible, the Co-Chairs will continue to ensure that this topic is raised during future meetings of the Standing Committee and will encourage States Parties to provide information on their national views in this regard.

Further to the work undertaken by the ICRC to develop an Information Kit on the Development of National Legislation to Implement the Convention with a view to assisting States Parties in implementing Article 9 obligations, the Co-Chairs, the ICRC, and the ICBL will continue to promote the establishment of national implementation measures and ensure the effective distribution of the Information Kit.

Continue a dialogue on the issue of anti-vehicle mines with sensitive fuses or with sensitive anti-handling devices:

Certain anti-vehicle mines with sensitive fuses or sensitive anti-handling devices may pose similar risks to civilian populations as anti-personnel mines. States Parties are encouraged to review the anti-vehicle mines in their inventories and to consider the relevant best practices of the type identified in the report of the ICRC hosted Expert Meeting (13-14 March 2001). The Co-Chairs and other interested parties will promote such best practices and encourage reporting on State practice in this regard. As different approaches on some issues related to the interpretation of Article 2 continue to exist, and in order to increase the understanding of this matter, the Co-Chairs and other interested parties will facilitate further dialogue on this topic.

Review and improve effectiveness of the intersessional programme of work:

In order to sustain and enhance the contribution of the intersessional programme of work to the implementation of the Convention, the Coordinating Committee will consider further improvements to the format and timing of the Standing Committee meetings and means to ensure the development of action-oriented Standing Committee Programmes. In addition, the Coordinating Committee will consider the role that the Implementation Support Unit could play in supporting the Standing Committees and enhancing the effectiveness of intersessional programme of work.

Facilitate the participation of mine-affected countries:

In order to facilitate a broader participation of mine-affected countries in Meetings of States Parties and in the intersessional programme of work, the States participating in the Sponsorship Programme will continue to try to provide resources for the Sponsorship Programme and will seek to encourage the participation of other interested States.

Interpretation:

A number of States Parties have pointed out that they would be able to profit more from the deliberations during the intersessional meetings, if interpretation into different languages would be offered. The European Commission will seek to provide interpretation into French and Spanish for the intersessional meetings in Geneva in 2002.

Calendar of Events:

The Coordinating Committee will ensure that a calendar of activities that are consistent with the objectives of the Convention is kept up-to-date and will distribute this calendar at the meetings of the Standing Committees in January and May 2002.

18-21: Managua, Nicaragua. Third Meeting of States Parties to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. For ICBL contact: banemnow@icbl.org and for States Parties: UNDDA

19-21: New York, USA. UN Special General Assembly Session on Children. Contact:

24-28: Geneva, Switzerland. Convention on Conventional Weapons 3^rd Preparatory Committee for 2nd CCW Review Conference. Contact: UNDDA Geneva

25 or 27 TBC: Geneva, Switzerland. Landmine Monitor Press Briefing. Contact: brigot@icbl.org

SADC Mine Action Meeting. Contact: http://www.sadc.int or sadcsec@sadc.int

2-8: Brisbane, Australia. Commonwealth People's Festival. Contact: pakpoy@chariot.net.au

5-7: Brisbane, Australia. Commonwealth ACFOA AGM (Council). Contact: http://www.thecommonwealth.org

6-9: Brisbane, Australia. Meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government. Contact: http://www.thecommonwealth.org

18-20: Brussels, Belgium. Landmine Monitor Core Group Meeting. Contact: lm@icbl.lrg

24: United Nations Day.

25-28: Seoul, Korea. Asia- Pacific Regional Landmine Monitor Researchers Meeting. Contact: kcbl@netian.com

25-29: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Students for a Mine Free World" international student conference hosted by the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Medical Students' Association. Contact: sarajevoconf@usa.net or http://welcome.to/sarajevoconf or http://home.talkcity.com/LibertySt/sarajevoconf/

27-28: Aden, Yemen. MENA Regional Landmine Monitor Researchers Meeting. Contact: rbyemcacd@y.net.ye

25-30: Disarmament Week.

26-28: Beirut, Lebanon. 9th Summit of the Francophonie. Contact: ghassan.salame@sommet2001.org or http://www.sommet2001.org. For ICBL contact: habbouba@balamand.edu.lb

TBC: Bradford, United Kingdom. Nobel Peace Prize exhibition opens at the Peace Museum. Contact: peacemuseum@bradford.gov.uk

TBC: Angola or Malawi. SADC Mine Action Committee Meeting. For ICBL Contact: masa@icbl.org

TBC: Donors conference for Eritrea (contact: Noel Mulliner, UNMAS)

6-8: Bangkok Thailand, South East Asian Workshop on Victim Assiastance, contact Handicap International.

8-10: Yerevan, Armenia. CIS/ FSU Regional Landmine Monitor Researchers Meeting and Landmines Seminar. Contact: jemma@arminco.com.

20: Universal Children's Day.

26-30: Nairobi, Kenya. Africa Regional Landmine Monitor Researchers Meeting. Contact: kcal@africaonline.co.ke

30: Canada. Night of a Thousand Dinners. Fundraiser to be held at venues throughout Canada. Contact: 37 Clarence Street, Suite 3, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 5P4, Canada, tel. +1-613-246-2678, patricianeri@sympatico.ca, http://www.2000dinners.com

TBC: UN General Assembly Special Session on Disarmament.

TBC: Mozambique. SADC Workshop on Victim Assistance. For ICBL Contact: masa@icbl.org

Geneva, Switzerland: Brainstorming about the agenda for the Standing Committee Mine Clearance and Related Technologies and Mine Awareness.

November/December, TBC: Mozambique. SADC Technology Workshop. For ICBL Contact: masa@icbl.org

3: Events Worldwide. Fourth Anniversary of the Opening for Signature of the 1997 Landmines Convention and International Day for Disabled Persons. Contact: banemnow@icbl.org

3-7: Geneva, Switzerland. Mine Ban Treaty Intersessional Standing Committee Meetings. Contact: walker@icbl.org (for NGOs) and www.gichd.ch

3-11: Oslo, Norway. 100th Anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize. Contact: Tel. +47 22 12 93 00 or http://www.nobel.no

10: Human Rights Day.

10-21: Geneva, Switzerland. CCW 2nd Review Conference. Contact: UNDDA Geneva

2001-2010: International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for Children.

TBC: Geneva, Switzerland. Convention on Conventional Weapons Amended Protocol II Annual Meeting. Contact: UNDDA Geneva

28-1: Geneva, Switzerland. Mine Ban Treaty Intersessional Standing Committee Meetings. Contact: Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining Tel: +41 22 906 1662/63 Fax: +41 22 906 1690 email: gichd@gichd.ch, http://www.gichd.ch, walker@icbl.org, http://www.icbl.org/sce

TBC: Thailand, Meeting on Understanding the Mine Problem in South East Asia

March/April, TBC: Bangladesh. Non-Aligned Movement Summit. Contact: http://www.nonaligned.org or Bangladesh@icbl.org

March/April, TBC: Bangladesh. Non-Aligned Movement Summit. Contact: http://www.nonaligned.org or Bangladesh@icbl.org

TBC: Global Landmine Monitor Researchers Meeting. Contact: lm@icbl.org

27-31: Geneva, Switzerland. Mine Ban Treaty Intersessional Standing Committee Meetings. Contact: Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining Tel: +41 22 906 1662/63 Fax: +41 22 906 1690 email: gichd@gichd.ch, http://www.gichd.ch, walker@icbl.org, http://www.icbl.org/sce

20: World Refugee Day

6-10: Berlin, Germany. 115h OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Annual session. Contact: brigot@icbl.org