Holding Hands against Mines: Campaign Launch

(Thursday 17 July 2003 Bangkok, Thailand) The official launch of the Hold Hands against Mines Campaign was hosted by Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, on 17 July, 2003.

Campaigners and others gathered at the event. Photo: Thai Campaign More photos

The Minister described the Campaign as a good opportunity to demonstrate the determination shared by the Royal Thai Government and non-governmental organizations to tackle the problems caused by landmines, raise awareness of the dangers of mines and ban their use. He applauded the cooperative efforts of Thai government agencies and the Thailand Campaign to Ban Landmines to solve landmine issues. The Minister was pleased to confirm that Thailand was a founding member of the Human Security Network and the only South East Asian country to be a member.

Dr. Suvit Yodmani, an Executive Director of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center made a speech on the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Campaign to Ban Landmines.

He identified some of the important work being done by eleven NGOs in the network of the Thailand Campaign to Ban Landmines. That work includes:

• Urging governments, the military establishment and various minority groups to ban the use of landmines;
• Providing mine Risk Education;
• Following up on the implementation of the Ottawa Convention by States parties; and,
• Coordinating the campaign to ban landmines at all levels.

Senator Kraisak Choonhavan, the President of the Chatichai Choonhavan Foundation took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the Royal Thai Government’s attention to human rights issues. He confirmed his intention to continue working cooperatively with government agencies and other NGOs, recognizing that mine action was central to the sustainable development of Thailand.

The launch of the Campaign saw an additional 282 handprints added to the "One Hundred Thousand Hands against Landmines" banner. These included those of the Minister of Foreign affairs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of international organizations, distinguished guests, celebrities and mine victims.

Members of the Thailand Campaign to Ban Landmines will run a "Ban Landmines Fair" from 3pm on 16 August at Suan Rod Fai Park Chatuchak, Bangkok.