Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World Daily Update #4

No ICBL presentations were made today.

Concerns for the ICBL

• The Netherlands delegate, speaking on behalf of the European Union Presidency, acknowledged Finland’s efforts on anti-vehicle mines (Mines Other Than Anti Personnel Mines – MOTAPM) but completely ignored Finland’s failure to accede, or its statement that it will not join the Convention until 2012.
• Few statements of commitment of new resources for mine action.

Highlights for the ICBL

• High level attendance and interventions, with Presidents, heads of State, Ministers and other high authorities reconfirming commitment to the mine ban treaty and to the goal to reduce the risk of mine incidents;
• Many statements linked mine action goals to wider development/aid issues;
• Recognition of the partnership between the governments, international agencies and civil society;
• Numerous calls for States not party to join and for Non State Actors to be engaged.

Quote of the day

“If small States can eliminate their use of landmines, there is no justification for the mighty and powerful, with their sophisticated weapons systems, to retain and use mines.” (Mwai Kibaki, President of Kenya)