Landmine Update #8

The Landmine Update is the International Campaign to Ban Landmines’ quarterly newsletter. This edition is followed by a calendar of upcoming events. To date, 143 countries have signed the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, and 125 have ratified it. The most recent accession is Democratic Republic of Congo (2 May) while recent ratifications include Angola (5 July) and Suriname (23 May).

The Intersessional Work Programme, the essential mechanism to mark, measure and stimulate progress made in the consolidation and full implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, continued to strengthen its work throughout the period, particularly during the second session of the 2001-2002 programme, held 27-31 May in Geneva. Participation in the Intersessional Standing Committee meetings in May, as in January, reached record levels, with between 439 – 452 persons in attendance representing more than 100 countries (73 States Parties and approximately 30 States not Parties), dozens of non-governmental organization (NGO) members of ICBL, Landmine Monitor (LM) Researchers, academic institutions and International, UN and Regional Organizations. More than 70 ICBL campaigners attended the May Standing Committee meetings (see Intersessional Work Programme below). Contact: walkerSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org or see http://www.icbl.org/sc

In addition, seven landmine survivor advocates from Africa participated in Landmine Survivors Network’s “Raising the Voices” program (see Raising the Voices). Contact: raquelSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERlandminesurvivors.org

Much of this period has included preparations worldwide for the Fourth Meeting of States Parties (4MSP) in Geneva, Switzerland 16-20 September. The 4MSP, is significant because it provides the opportunity for States Parties to assess progress and to report on plans to ensure full universalization and effective implementation of the treaty. Now it is all the more important to ensure that significant progress is made between each annual Meeting of States Parties prior to the 2004 Review Conference and beyond. The ICBL has coordinated its participation, which will include over 125 delegates from around the world, plus exhibits, briefings and media events. Campaigns have contacted their governments regarding their participation and urged concrete progress before and during the meeting.

In addition, ICBL will present Landmine Monitor Report 2002: Toward a Mine-Free World to the Fourth Meeting of States Parties 16 September. The ICBL released its fourth annual report on the global landmine situation worldwide on 13 September. The report, which contains information on every country in the world with respect to landmine ban policy, use, production, transfer, stockpiling, mine clearance, mine awareness and survivor assistance, was prepared by a total of 115 Landmine Monitor researchers in 90 countries who systematically collected and analyzed information from a wide variety of sources. The report, along with its Executive Summary, was launched in cities worldwide on 13

September including Adelaide, Bangkok, Brussels, Geneva, Johannesburg, London, Nairobi, Oslo, Ottawa, Paris, Phnom Penh, Rome, Stockholm, Warsaw and Yaoundé. Contact lmSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org and to view the report, visit http://www.icbl.org/lm/2002/

Other landmine-related events were also held worldwide, worldwide and this update is a summary of some of them. Below are reports on activities country-by-country, followed by a section on international and virtual activities.

Afghanistan – The first international meeting on landmines in Afghanistan, "Building a Peaceful Future for Afghanistan: A Total Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines" was held in Kabul on 28-31 July 2002. The Government of Afghanistan hosted the conference, which was organized in co-operation with the Afghan Campaign to Ban Landmines (ACBL), the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), and the United Nations' Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan (MACA).

Approximately 200 people attended the opening ceremony of the conference, at which Foreign Minister Abdullah declared the Transitional Islamic Government of Afghanistan’s firm commitment to joining the Mine Ban Treaty. “As soon as [the treaty] is signed, every Afghan man, woman and child will rest assured that none in this country will ever again be targeted by antipersonnel landmines...Today, at the opening of this international conference on the ban of antipersonnel mines, we give hope to millions in Afghanistan and around the world by moving this country one step forward as a credible and viable member of the international community and declare our clear intent.” President Karzai who also spoke at the opening praised the work of mine action organizations and reiterated his government’s intention to join the treaty. Nobel Laureate Jody Williams, ICBL Ambassador welcomed the announcement, noting “It is a tribute to the new leadership of this country...Now is the time for change...We have no illusion that change will come quickly or easily...We will be with you until the battle is over.” UN Special Representative for Afghanistan Lakhdar Brahimi, UN special representative on children and armed conflict Olara Otonnu, Fazel Karim Fazel of the Afghan Campaign to Ban Landmines, landmine survivor Rohafza all warmly congratulated the government for its “courageous and visionary” move. After the opening ceremony, the Foreign Ministry hosted a lunch for all of the participants, followed by site visits to the Afghan Campaign to Ban Landmines (ACBL) and Organization for Mine Clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation (OMAR) museum, the ICRC prosthetics Centre and the Mine Detection Dog Centre.

Two days later, 30 July, Foreign Minister Abdullah joined the conference for a brief signing ceremony announcing the Council of Ministers meeting at which the Cabinet unanimously approved commitment to the Mine Ban Treaty. “I, Dr. Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, declare that the Transitional Islamic Government of Afghanistan, having considered the [Convention] signed the instrument of accession today, 30 July 2002.” He was then warmly congratulated by representatives from the UN, ICBL and ACBL. Later that day President Karzai received Jody Williams, Rohafza and Shohab Hakimi from the ACBL. Canada and the European Commission provided financial support for the conference and MACA provided most of the logistical support, with assistance from ACBL, numerous organizations in Kabul, and ICBL. It is hoped that Afghanistan will deposit its instrument of accession at the UN in the coming period, thus becoming an official states party to the treaty. The government's commitment to banning landmines sends a strong message to neighbouring countries and others amongst the 50 states outside the convention. The Final Declaration, other articles, links and media coverage on the conference can be found at http://www.icbl.org/news/2002/202.php Contact: banemnowSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org or tamarahall99SPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERhotmail.com

Angola - Ratified 5 July 2002. Two landmine survivors participated in the Raising the Voices program at the Standing Committee Meetings in May and the 4MSP in September. The SADC Mine Action Committee (SMAC) held its First Conference of Demining and Mine Action Operators in Luanda from 26 - 28 June 2002 under the chairpersonship of Angola. The meeting was attended by representatives from Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the SADC Secretariat. The meeting was officially opened by the Honourable Joao Batista Kussumua, Minister for Social Reinsertion of the Republic of Angola on behalf of His Excellency Jose Eduardo dos Santos, President of the Republic of Angola. A Final Communique was issued and “The Committee and the participants agreed to establish a Task Force to work with the Secretariat to examine the feasibility of establishing a Regional Technical Group and a Self-Regulating Organization on the issues of Mine Action.” For further information contact: J. Ndlovu, Special Projects, SADC Secretariat at JMNdlovuSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERsadc.int

Argentina – The Joint Chiefs of Staff's Office of Humanitarian Demining held a seminar on humanitarian demining from 1 – 5 July 2002 at CAECOPAZ in Campo de Mayo. A representative addressed the conference.

Australia – Representatives of the ICBL Australian Network participated in the Southeast Asian Campaigns meeting and the “Landmines in South East Asia” Conference hosted by the Royal Thai Government 13-15 May (see Thailand). On 1 July the ACT Branch of the ICBL Australian Network held a public awareness event in the Canberra City center, marking the third anniversary of Australia’s entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty. The Hon Graham Edwards MP, who launched the event, praised the significant role of non-governmental organizations in their efforts against antipersonnel mines. Member organizations AUSTCARE, World Vision Australia, Caritas, Medical Association for the Prevention of War participated in the event, together with the ACT Branch coordinator and representatives from AusAid. In August Patricia Pak Poy, coordinator of the Network, visited Laos as part of their effort to raise the issues of mines, UXO and the treaty via the Southeast Asian Programme. The Australian Network held an Australian launch of the Landmine Monitor Report 2002 with Ms. Chris Gallus, Government Special Representative on Mine Action Friday 13 September in Adelaide. John Rodsted, Australian photographer who has contributed much work to ICBL over the years, has been in Afghanistan for two months in July and August and will prepare an ICBL photo exhibit for the 4MSP in Geneva. When he returns to Australia in late September he will participate as a Guest Speaker for an Australian tour. The Australian Network also launched a website in September, which can be found at http://australia.icbl.org/ Contact: ppakpoySPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERchariot.net.au

Azerbaijan - Hafiz Safikhanov, coordinator of Azerbaijan Campaign to Ban Landmines, traveled to Ganja City, Geranboy and two provinces bordering with Armenia – Gedabek and Gazakh, to meet with the representatives of regional offices of ACBL. The Azerbaijan CBL continued to disseminate information about landmine incidents, landmine survivors, mine action and the landmine situation in Azerbaijan via its Information Bulletin. Contact: safihanovSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERbox.az or ipdSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERonline.az

Belgium – Handicap International Belgium (HIB) participated, on behalf of the ICBL, in the workshop on the Ottawa Convention and Action Against Landmines in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, co-hosted by the Governments of the DRC and Canada held 2-3 May. HIB also participated in the intersessional standing committee meetings in Geneva in May. On 26 May a team from HIB participated in “20 Kilometers of Brussels”, a popular run in the city with thousands of participants. They wore the HIB blue laces, and an HIB T-shirt. One of the participants, Didier Simons – a former deminer from the Belgian Army who lost a leg during his work – came in first in the category of the “handicyclists”. The event provided high visibility for HIB and the landmine issue. The 21st of June HIB held its General Assembly, followed by the annual ‘Night of the Blue Laces’. Isabelle Durant, Minister of Transport, addressed the gathering. In August, HIB ran an extensive letter-writing campaign focusing on the ICBL Universalisation Targets and sending messages to Afghanistan, Cameroon, Cyprus, Ethiopia, East Timor, Gambia, Greece, Guyana, Turkey, São Tomé e Principe and Yugoslavia. Also in August, two journalists of “De Morgen” newspaper visited HIB projects in Afghanistan. HIB is planning a release event for the Landmine Monitor Report 2002 at NATO Headquarters in Brussels 13 September. Contact: koen.baetensSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERhandicap.be or visit http://www.handicapinternational.be

Brazil – During this period the Brazil Campaign to Ban Landmines (BCBL) engaged in numerous activities. They participated in the Intersessional Standing Committee meetings in Geneva in May, and wrote the Ministry of Defense to request participation and transparency during the stockpile destruction. BCBL also held many activities with youth and students. In April, BCBL members gave a presentation at an elementary school to 60 youth. In June, BCBL members gave presentations to university classes on international public law and sociology of law, at the invitations of various professors. An exhibition (with posters, banners, photos and other material) is being held in the principal hall of Santa Cruz do Sul University (UNISC) from August through September. At Yazigi Internexus, a language school in Santa Cruz do Sul, a week of mine awareness was held August 26-30, including a photograph exhibition, distribution of postcards to be sent to President Bush. BCBL members also visited groups of youth to further raise awareness about the landmines problem. They collected signatures for petitions as part of the Youth Against War campaign to be sent to the leaders of India and Pakistan. BCBL member SERPAJ – São Leopoldo held a party with the landmine theme and distributed information, postcards, and petitions to be sent to India and Pakistan. BCBL member Em Busca da Paz promoted a camping trip with 40 youth, during which they presented the work of the BCBL. In June BCBL sent its own letters and requests to all of its members asking them to send letters to Sao Tome and Principe urging them to complete ratification of the Mine Ban Treaty, in response to the ICBL Action Alert. In July they did the same for Guyana and East Timor. Contact:banirminasSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERterra.com.br

See the section at the end on virtual campaign activities for information about the new website launched by Viva Rio, www.desarme.org.

Cambodia – In May the ICBL Ambassador Tun Channareth and Cambodia Campaign to Ban Landmines (CCBL) member Denise Coghlan participated in the “Landmines in Southeast Asia” seminar in Bangkok and the campaign meeting and other events around the seminar (see Thailand). In July, CCBL participated in a provincial survey of disabled, which should provide details regarding the actual number of landmine victims still living in one province. The CCBL participated in the National Workshop “For an Improved Efficiency of Mine Action, Better Planning and Targeting, Quick Response Capacity, Risk Reduction”, held 14-15 August in Siem Reap. The workshop was jointly organized by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, the Ministry of Land Management, Urbanization and Construction, the Ministry of Interior and the Provincial authority. Participants included various ministries, international organizations and non-governmental organizations involved in mine action and development. Contact: sam.sothaSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERcamnet.org.kh

In August CCBL also participated in the review of the World Relief Fund’s criteria for mine victim assistance. Throughout the period CCBL has briefed overseas guests and journalists and filmmakers regarding the landmine situation in Cambodia. They are holding a launch of the Landmine Monitor Report 2002 on September 13. Contact: jrscamSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERforum.org.kh

Cameroon – The Cameroon Campaign to Ban Landmines (CCBL) has been very active in this period, and campaign members met with government officials in Yaoundé to ensure that a duplicate of the lost ratification instrument would be issued and deposited with the United Nations office in New York, urging that it be done before the 4MSP. Members also urged the Central African Republic to deposit their instrument of accession before the 4MSP, after promulgation by the Head of State. The CCBCL, via lead NGO International Club for Peace Research, again contributed actively to the Landmine Monitor initiative. ICPR has produced reports on a number of countries including Cameroon, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, CAR and Chad since 1999. Landmine Monitor Report 2002 was launched at the British Council in Yaoundé on 13 September. A youth activity including launch of the Youth Against War petition drive, video screening and an exhibition were held to raise awareness on the mines issue. The ICPR has translated and will produce for 2002 a situation report on landmines issue for nineteen Sub-Saharan Francophone African Countries mainly from the western and central Africa Regions. Contact: mjonascirpSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERhotmail.com

Canada – MAC participated in the intersessional standing committee meetings in Geneva in May. In June MAC participated, on behalf of the ICBL, in the Calgary Group of 6 billion global citizens (GB6), the alternative NGO forum which took place just prior to the leader's G8 summit in Kananaskis 26-27 June. In July the 5th year of the Youth Mine Action Ambassadors Program (YMAAP) was launched and new youth ambassadors traveled to mine-affected countries Bosnia and Croatia. MAC also attended the CCW in July and conducted advocacy on explosive remnants of war. . MAC has prepared the Canadian launch of the Landmine Monitor Report 2002, which will take place on Friday, September 13th at the National Press Club. The special focus of this launch will be the mine situation in Africa. MAC will be hosting a diplomatic breakfast with African Ambassadors, key mine action donor embassies, MAC members working in Africa, and Canadian government officials. MAC will be providing a preview of the key findings and major developments for 2002 along with new information related to Africa. Contact: macinfoSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERweb.ca or http://www.minesactioncanada.org

Chile – Chilean Campaign Against Landmines member Instituto de Ecología Política (IEP) met with the new Minister of Defense 2 May and urged him to include civil society in demining programs. From 13-14 May Campaign members participated in a workshop on Human Security in preparation for the Ministerial meeting. 2-3 July Manuel Baquedano of IEP addressed the IV Ministerial Meeting of the Human Security Network in Santiago. See http://www.iepe.org/econoticias or contact: comunicacionesSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERiepe.org

Landmine Monitor Chile researchers and campaigners participated in astockpile destruction event in Pampa Chaca on 27 August. The Chilean Defense Ministry hosted the ceremonial destruction of 76,388 stockpiled mines, the entire stockpile from Region I (except for a certain quantity kept for demining training purposes). The destruction took place at the Pampa Chaca military training area, in the middle of the Atacama Desert. The Army had set up a series of stands demonstrating demining equipment and techniques, and photos of mine victims and a mannequin of a soldier that had stepped on a mine. The stockpiles were destroyed in seven explosions, the first detonated by President Ricardo Lagos and the second by Defense Minister Michele Bachelet. After the destruction there was a cocktail party and luncheon. The researchers suggested that Landmine Monitor researchers and the Education Ministry be considered for inclusion in the National Demining Commission. In addition to President Ricardo Lagos, Minister Bachelet and the Landmine Monitor Chile researchers, other participants included Minister of Foreign Affairs Soledad Alvear, Army Commander-in-Chief Emilio Cheyre, about 40 government and public personalities, including ambassadors, politicians, representatives of the UN, OAS and the International Red Cross, Defense Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry and Health Ministry officials, high ranking members of all branches of the armed forces and 35 or so journalists, including foreign correspondents. Shortly after the event, the Landmine Monitor researchers were invited on two radio programs. Contact: comunicacionesSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERiepe.org or holahanSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERw.cl

Democratic Republic of Congo – Acceded to the treaty on 2 May. On 2-3 May 2002, the DRC government, in cooperation with the government of Canada, hosted an international workshop on “The Ottawa Convention and Mine Action in the Democratic Republic of Congo” in Kinshasa. Participants included representatives from the DRC Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense and seven other ministries; the armed opposition Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD-Goma); diplomats from eight foreign countries; MONUC, UNMAS, UNHCR, the ICRC, GICHD, three DRC NGOs, the ICBL, and other international NGOs. At the workshop, the DRC restated its firm commitment to implement the Mine Ban Treaty. A representative of the rebel group RCD also stated its adherence to the principles of the MBT. For information contact: karen.mollicaSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERdfait-maeci.gc.ca or stan.brabantSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERhandicap.be

Denmark – Roskilde Festival, one of the biggest summer music festivals in northern Europe, focused on the fight against landmines for Roskilde 02. Mine dogs and mine victim football at the Festival helped bring home the theme as did the use of a real minesweeper (later sent to Afghanistan) as the official meeting point of the festival. The association Denmark Against Land Mines organized the project and brought attention to the huge mine problem existing in many countries. During the festival, One Step gathered a large collection of footprints from the festival audience and from the performing bands. These footprints with autographs will be sold on auction later this year. Among the celebrities taking off their shoes to give their footprint were Manu Chao, Primal Scream, Sort Sol and Savage Rose. The money collected from selling these footprints and the money gathered during the festival will be donated to a specific mine project in Lebanon. In connection with One Step, Denmark Against Land Mines has also released a CD. For further information: http://www.landminer.dk or http://www.roskilde-festival.dk/

Eritrea – A landmine survivor participated in the Raising the Voices program at the Standing Committee Meetings in May and the 4MSP in September. Contact: raquelSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERlandminesurvivor.org

The Eritrean Government issued a proclamation ordering all international NGOs involved in demining activities in Eritrea to cease their work and hand over all of their assets and personnel to the Eritrean Demining Authority before 30 August. A UN delegation headed by Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Eritrea Simon Nhongo, and Chief of the UN Mine Action Service Martin Barber - had met President Isayas Afewerki to seek an extension to the deadline, following a joint appeal by the UN Secretariat, UNICEF and UNDP for the deadline to be extended to enable an appropriate transition, yet the Eritrean government reaffirmed its decision. Danish Demining Group (DDG), DanChurch Aid (DCA) and Mine Awareness Trust have left or will be leaving Eritrea shortly, while Halo Trust and Ronco have negotiated separate agreements with the Eritrean Government to maintain operations in-country.

Ethiopia – A landmine survivor participated in the Raising the Voices program at the Standing Committee Meetings in May and the 4MSP in September. Contact: raquelSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERlandminesurvivor.org

France – Handicap International (HI) participated in the Intersessional Standing Committee meetings in Geneva in May. HI, in the name of 650 scientists from around the world who have signed the Call for a Mine-Free Earth, sent letters to all non-signatories of the Mine Ban Treaty. A press release was sent to French media to announce this initiative.Preparations have begun for a press conference to launch the Landmine Monitor report 13 September and for the 8th Shoe Pyramid on the 6th of October, to be held in 26 cities throughout France and Luxembourg. The theme for this year’s event is: 20 years of mine action, don't give up! Contact: kgavandSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERhandicap-international.org or http://www.handicap-international.org

Germany – German Initiative to Ban Landmines (GIBL) participated in the Intersessional Standing Committee meetings in Geneva in May. The recent GIBL advertising campaign, which featured well-known Germans posing as mine victims, was supported by a wide range of newspapers from May - September 2002. The GIBL also produced radio spots with famous supporters broadcast daily by the major radio station in June and July 2002. Since the re-launch, the GIBL and its member organisations have collected more than 25,000 signatures calling for a total ban on all landmines. NGOs involved in the signature-collection are Brot fur die Welt, EIRENE, Jesuiten Fluchtlingsdienst, Handicap International, Kindernothilfe, Medico International, Misereor, Oxfam, Solidaritatsdienst-international, Terre des Hommes.

On 14 May 2002 the GIBL member organisation EIRENE hung a poster pointing out humanitarian concerns about antivehicle mines at a busy traffic junction in Neuwied. That poster later hung in the city center of Munich after an action day of Handicap International from 12 June- 05 September 2002; it will hang in Hamburg city center from 08 September 2002. On 17 May the GIBL sent a public letter to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer calling for a total ban on all landmines at the G8 summit in Canada on 26/27 June. From 11-15 June GIBL members organized nation-wide action days for a ban on all mines. In Frankfurt am Main and Stuttgart Medico International and Brot fur die Welt invited an Afghan mine clearance team to demonstrate the work of mine clearance. In Munich, Nuremberg, Tubingen, and Augsburg Handicap International organised a demonstration and events with its exihibition bus for a ban on all landmines. Within this context they sent open letters to the mine-producing companies Daimler-Chrysler and Diehl. These events were all widely reported in the media. Contact: gibl.haakeSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERt-online.de or http://www.landmine.de

India- The Indian Campaign to Ban Landmines (Indian CBL) held a public education and awareness seminar September 1, 2002 in Hyderabad, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh on the "Proliferation of Small Arms & Landmines in South Asia and its effects on South India". The Indian CBL has sent information regarding civilian mine victims due to renewed and extensive planting of landmines along the India-Pakistan border since December 2001. The Indian CBL also organized a launch of the Landmine Monitor Report 2002. Contact: iipdepSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERnagpur.dot.net.in

The Indian CBL has also organized regional youth seminars to raise awareness of the landmine situation in South Asia amongst Indian youth and collect signatures for the Youth Against War signature campaign. Youth around the world are encouraged to collect signatures, showing that the young people of the world are against landmine use in India and Pakistan. The collected signatures will be handed over to the Indian and Pakistani governments on 5 February 2003 (see Youth). Contact: yawSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org or iipdepSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERnagpur.dot.net.in

Italy – From6 - 12 May 2002 the Campagna Italiana Contro le Mine –Olus (Italian CBL), in Macerata, in partnership with the City Council, held an event "Lo sport sostiene i diritti umani" (Sports for Human Rights) which was a week of awareness-raising events including meetings, photo exhibitions, films, school activities and sports events. S. Arcangelo (Rimini) held an awareness-raising week 4-10 July, which included a debate with Nicoletta Dentico and Giulietto Chiesa. On 13 September a press conference will be held at the cultural association Civita in Rome to launch the Landmine Monitor Report 2002. Contact: coordinamentoSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERcampagnamine.org or visit http://www.campagnamine.org

Japan – A JCBL member participated in the “Landmines in Southeast Asia” seminar in Bangkok and the accompanying campaign meeting and other events (see Thailand). In celebration of the 2002 FIFA World Cup soccer events in Japan and Korea in June, the Japanese and Korean Campaigns to Ban Landmines organized "A Goal for All!" Citizens were asked to write a peace message or draw an illustration to show "solidarity as friends of this Earth by addressing a message from the bottom of your heart to those injured by landmines." The campaign drew attention to a total Ban on Landmines and targeted people of various generations and cultural backgrounds. Numerous schoolboys and girls participated. A collection of postcards was displayed in June at the NGO booth near Yokohama Arena in Tokyo, Japan, where the final game was held. Participants were entered into a draw and 20 lucky people were rewarded with a Japan Campaign to Ban Landmines poster or T-shirt. For more information, visit http://www.jcbl-ngo.org/ or contact banminesSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERjca.apc.org JCBL also participated in the Kabul conference on landmines, as did AAR Japan.

Japanese youth anti-landmine campaigners and the ICBL globally launched the Japanese Youth Action Forum website 24 June at http://www.icbl.org/youth/jp Designed, translated and maintained entirely by Japanese youth, this site is an example of the growing role youth are playing in the movement to ban antipersonnel mines. Japanese university student Chie Kawakami started this innovative project. “People often show interest in global issues temporarily, says Kawakami, “but the issues are still there. Internet websites are a very good tool to provide information continuously. I hope this site will help people know about the issue and encourage them to take action.” The Japanese Youth Action Forum includes: news about youth-related events, information about the landmines issue and available resources, information about taking action, the Youth Against War Treaty, a calendar of events and a mailing list. Contact: jp.youthSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

Jordan - The second regional meeting for Rehabilitation International was held in Amman 13June. Attending the regional meeting were representatives from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The meeting recommended more advocacy efforts be done to endorse the treaty as follow up to the Beirut declaration from the September 2001 Beirut conference on Disability. Contact: MonaSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERLSNmena.org Landmine survivor and Landmine Monitor researcher Kamel Sa’adi met with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss landmine issues. Contact: darjalilSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERjoinnet.com.jo

Kenya – The Kenya Campaign Against Landmines (KCAL) has been engaged in lobbying for implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, sensitizing the Government of Kenya regarding the importance of sending a strong delegation to the 4MSP. KCAL has also held three workshops on small arms and light weapons for various stakeholders in the sub-region. KCAL is organizing a launch of the Landmine Monitor Report 2002 on 13 September in Nairobi. It will be conducted in a seminar format with speakers addressing the major findings of the current report, showing videos and dissemination of the report and other landmine-related materials. Contact: kcalSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERafricaonline.co.ke

Korea - In celebration of the 2002 FIFA World Cup soccer events in Japan and Korea the Japan and Korean Campaigns to Ban Landmines organized "A Goal for All!" Citizens were asked to write a peace message or draw an illustration to show "solidarity as friends of this Earth by addressing a message from the bottom of your heart to those injured by landmines." The campaign drew attention to the total Ban on Landmines and targeted people of various generations and cultural backgrounds. A collection of postcards was displayed in June at the NGO booth near Yokohama Arena in Tokyo, Japan, where the final game was held. Participants were entered into a draw and 20 lucky people were rewarded with a Japan Campaign to Ban Landmines poster or T-shirt. For more information, visit http://www.jcbl-ngo.org/ or contact jkchoSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERkornet.net

Kyrgyzstan - ICBL members IPPNW-Kyrgyzstan participated in a meeting with doctors from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan as part of the Congress of Turkish Thoracic Society held in Antalya, Turkey in April. In discussions on the situation in Central Asia, IPPNW-Kyrgyzstan members presented information on landmines, the ICBL, Landmine Monitor and the Convention. In the past few months IPPNW-Kyrgyzstan members also met with officials from Parliament and government departments regarding the Ottawa Convention. They are currently preparing to publish a book including information on ICBL, the Convention and the Landmine Monitor Report on Kyrgyzstan. Contact: astmaSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERkyrnet.kg

Malaysia – ICBL campaigners participated in the Southeast Asian Campaigns meeting and the “Landmines in South East Asia” Conference hosted by the Royal Thai Government 13-15 May (see Thailand). They have urged their Malaysian government colleagues to continue to play a lead role on landmines and have conducted awareness-raising with youth groups.

Mozambique – A landmine survivor participated in the Raising the Voices program at the Standing Committee Meetings in May and the 4MSP in September. Contact: raquelSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERlandminesurvivor.org

Nepal- The Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmines (NCBL) held a seminar on the Emergency and Landmines in February 2002. The State Minister of Foreign Affairs Arjun Jung Bahadur Singh, representatives of parliamentary committees, Deputy Inspector General of the Armed Police Force, lawmakers, leaders of various parties, representative of human rights organizations, local bodies, teachers, students, women organizations and members of the media participated. In July, a meeting of Youth for Peace was held and signature campaign launched as part of the ICBL’s Youth Against War campaign. On 4 August NCBL hosted an “Interactive Program on the Clearance of Landmines” in Kathmandu. Guest participants included members of parliament, the Superintendent of the Police and other members of the police force and members of the Royal Nepalese Army. The agenda included discussion of the landmine problem in Nepal and the need for landmine clearance, including during the conflict. Mine use by non-state actors as well as the Nepalese armed forces was discussed. NCBL is also preparing a picture book of mine awareness. The NCBL is holding a launch event for Landmine Monitor Report 2002 on 13 September. Contact: wodesSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERunlimit.com

New Zealand- New Zealand Campaign Against Landmines (CALM) has continued its lobbying efforts regarding the Pacific states in this period. CALM has also agreed to serve as an ICBL focal point for resource distribution in the Pacific and has taken a proactive approach to the responsibility. CALM urged the New Zealand delegation to the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development to include landmine issues in their agenda. John Flannagan, a major from the NZ Army who led the mine clearance efforts in Kosovo, has given three public presentations in the past three months. Contact: newzealandSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

Norway – An international conference“The Future of Humanitarian Mine Action,” was held on 12 – 14 September in Oslo, Norway on the fifth anniversary of the successful text negotiations that took place during the Oslo Diplomatic Conference in 1997. The International Peace Research Institute, Oslo, Norwegian People's Aid and the Norwegian Red Cross, with support from the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs co-hosted the event. The conference brought together representatives of organizations and research institutions as well as state representatives and individuals involved in humanitarian mine action. The conference aimed to establish a platform for future policy and practice based on the lessons learned in mine action over the past five years. The conference focus on field-based mine action projects as a component of broader humanitarian assistance efforts, peace-building initiatives, and longer-term development programs. Jody Williams and Steve Goose participated on behalf of the ICBL, as did other staff and members from around the world. The Landmine Monitor Report 2002 was also launched during the event. Contact: http://www.prio.no/amac/futureofhma.asp or anthony.zenosSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERredcross.no ICBL also launched its Sponsor A Mine Detection Dog program in Oslo during the events (see International).

Pakistan- The Pakistan Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL) organized a cricket tournament in Bajaur agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Pakistan in the month of June 2002. The objective of the tournament was to raise awareness among the youth and general population against landmines through the sponsorship of a popular sport like cricket. It attracted youth and people from diverse walks of life in the tribal agency, and provided an ideal opportunity to the PCBL to communicate its message regarding the denunciation of landmines and its adverse effects on the lives of innocent non-combatants through banners and an address by PCBL representatives during each match to the players and spectators. PCBL also held a poster contest among the school children of the Bajaur agency, one of the mine-contaminated districts of FATA. They presented the impact of landmines on children through drawings.

In July PCBL organized a Grand Tribal Jirga in Khyber agency of FATA agency under the leadership of Gulab khan Shinwari, former Member National Assembly, of Khyber agency. Twenty Tribal chiefs participated this Jirga from Khyber agency. The Jirga attracted tribal elders, leaders and notable members of the community. PCBL representatives provided them with sufficient materials on the devastating impacts of landmines in different tribal agencies of Pakistan and around the world. The Jirga (Council) unanimously passed a declaration in favor of a ban on use, production, transfer and stockpiling of landmines and communicated its message to the Government of Pakistan for an immediate and comprehensive ban. The Jirga extended its full cooperation to PCBL for the achievement of its ultimate goal of total ban on use, production, transfer and stockpiling of landmines.

Also, in July, PCBL representatives held four meetings with the community in different tehsils (sub divisions) of Bajaur agency. Around three hundred people from the community participated in the meetings where PCBL representatives gave presentations on the hazardous impacts of landmines around the world in general and in FATA in particular.

In August PCBL representatives held meetings with 10 Nazims (members of district assemblies) in the Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mardan in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and five members from district Chaghi, Ziarat of Baluchistan Province. The objective of the meeting with them (Nazims) was to pave the way for passing a resolution through district governments for the total ban on use, production, transfer and stockpiling of landmines. PCBL hopes such resolutions will help in applying pressure in the elected parliament in the coming election. Also in August, PCBL held a meeting with chairmen of various disciplines departments and the vice chancellor in Baluchistan University in order to seek their support for organizing seminars and conferences in the next month to raise awareness, particularly among the youth of Baluchistan, about the landmine problem in Pakistan. PCBL also held meetings with different student societies and associations. They are collecting signatures of university youth in favor of a total ban for the Youth Against War Treaty initiative (see Youth.) During this period PCBL also sent a letter to President of Pakistan General Musharaf and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mr. Inam Ulhaq. Contact: pakistanSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

PCBL youth campaigner Sehrish Shaban traveled to The Hague, Netherlands in July to participate in the European International Model United Nations conference, focused on the issue of landmines. She also went to Geneva, Switzerland, where she led a workshop focused on the Youth Against War Treaty and youth activism on the landmine issue at the World Youth Civil Society Forum. For more information please visit http://www.icbl.org/youth/news/00000033.html or contact sehrishshabanSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERhotmail.com

Philippines – The Philippines CBL has conducted numerous activities promoting the importance of Non State Actors (NSAs) engagement in banning landmines. This included participation in a Geneva Call mission 3-8 April resulting in a new Deed of Commitment for adherence to a ban signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). A similiar deed was signed by the Rebolusyonaryong Partido Ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas (RPM-P, Revolutionary Workers Party-Philippines) on 21 July 2002. A PCBL representative participated in the “Landmines in South East Asia” Conference hosted by the Royal Thai Government 13-15 May and the Southeast Asian Campaigns Meeting prior to it. Contact: mferrerSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERkssp.upd.edu.ph

Poland – The Polish Red Cross released the Landmine Monitor Report 2002 in Warsaw on September 13 during the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting. Speakers at the event included speakers Katarzyna Derlicka, Landmine Monitor’s Researcher for Poland, Ian Doucet, Landmine Monitor’s Europe Research Coordinator and Sylvie Brigot, ICBL’s Government Relations Officer. Warsaw, Poland. Other events surrounding the Meeting included a briefing to participants and an intervention of the ICBL during the session on "Humanitarian Issues and other commitments including International Humanitarian Law and presentation of recommendations to OSCE member states". Contact: kderlickaSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERwp.pl

Singapore – Two members from Thinkcentre, an NGO which has conducted a Web campaign and public vote on landmines through its website, participated in the Southeast Asia Campaigns Meeting and the “Landmines in Southeast Asia” seminar in Bangkok hosted by the Royal Thai Government in May (see Thailand). Contact: http://www.thinkcentre.org

Sri Lanka – A Sri Lanka CBL representative participated in the May intersessional meetings as well as the 4MSP in Geneva. Contact: saliyaedSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERsltnet.lk

Sudan - A landmine survivor participated in the Raising the Voices program at the Standing Committee Meetings in May and the 4MSP in September, as did the Sudan CBL. The Sudan CBL extended its mine risk education program in May 2002 to the Nuba Mountains, one of the conflict zones and an area heavily infested with landmines. Two training of trainers workshops took place in Kadugli and Abugibeha towns. Sudan CBL members Save the Children Sweden and Save the Children USA are supporting this initiative. UNMAS, which has a sub-office in the area took part in the workshops and introduced the IMSMA system to participants.

In addition, the Sudan CBL, together with UNICEF and UNMAS, convened a two-day seminar on mine awareness. The seminar took place in Khartoum in July 2002. The seminar was aimed at reviewing and strengthening the mine awareness program in Sudan. At the same time, the seminar was an event to highlight the importance of the ratification of the Mine Ban Treaty, to review the Sudan CBL's strategy and to discuss the coordination with the UN system led by UNMAS and UNICEF and with the Government lead by the Humanitarian Aid Commission. The State Minister of International Cooperation, the Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, Sudan CBL and the UN resident Coordinator delivered the opening remarks. Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) has also participated in the seminar and exchanged rich experiences and information with Sudan CBL.

During this period the Sudan CBL's coordinator has had several meeting meetings and discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Humanitarian Aid Commission regarding the ratification of the treaty before the 4MSP. In addition, to consolidate the cross-line principle, Sudan CBL had a meeting in Nairobi in May with OSIL. Sudan CBL and OSIL will meet again in Geneva during the 4MSP to continue on developing modalities of working together against landmines in the Sudan. The Sudan CBL intends to continue its working relationships with Landmine Action UK, Mine Awareness Trust, Danish Church Aid and MAG for capacity building of the Sudan CBL and to promote mine action in Sudan. The Sudan CBL will also join a National Mine Action Center together with the UN and the Government. The Center will be the venue for coordination and planning of mine action in Sudan. UNMAS will support the establishment of the national center. Contact: scblSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERsudanmail.net

Suriname – Ratified 23 May.

Sweden – ICBL member Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society (SPAS) organized an event “We are waiting for Finland!” on 13 September. In connection with the release of Landmine Monitor Report 2002 globally 13 September 2002, SPAS took action to encourage Finland to join the Ottawa Convention. SPAS sent a "symbolic present" and letters to the Finnish Minister of Defence and to the members of the committee of defence in parliament. The present, a typical Swedish national symbol or "Dalahäst", is a small wooden horse painted in beautiful colours, but this one had only three legs, which symbolized the injuries caused to civilians by landmines. Contact: frida.blomSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERsvenska-freds.se or visit http://www.svenska-freds.se

Switzerland - Tobias Gasser, on behalf of the Swiss CBL and a coalition of Swiss human rights organizations, wrote a study about the Swiss-Israeli arms trade and production with special emphasis on submunitions and the effects of unexploded ordnance. A press conference was held in Bern in May to release the report. A Mine Action pavillion at the National Exhibition Expo.02 in Morat entitled “Some moments last forever” showed visitors how Switzerland and Swiss NGOs engage in combating landmines. Cornelia Sommaruga, Defence Minister Schmid and Elisabeth Reusse-Decrey of the Swiss CBL gave speeches about the current challenges of Mine Action and combating mines and similar devices at an official ceremony.

Handicap International Switzerland, Swiss Federation for Mine Action, Swiss Campaign to Ban Landmines, Geneva Call and World without Mines were amongst the NGO participants. The Swiss CBL organized several activities and side-events during the 4MSP. Among others, one main one include two “Tapis Roulant” with the theme "Each step counts, one counts the steps". Throughout the four days of the conference, a stand will be installed near the lake with two electric "tapis roulants", and the population of Geneva will be invited to come and step (run) to indicate their refusal of landmines. In addition, as co-chair of the ICBL Non-State Actors (NSA) Working Group, in cooperation with Geneva Call a roundtable about NSAs will be organized. Increasingly, governments have come to realize that to achieve a truly universal ban on antipersonnel mines, not only governments but also NSAs should share and commit to the goal. There is therefore a need to address such issues through a constructive dialogue among all parties concerned with the NSA involvement in the landmine problem. The aims of the roundtable discussion are to promote States awareness on the importance of engaging NSAs in order to achieve the goals of universalization and implementation of the mine ban, as well as to discuss the approaches and progress for such engagement. The testimonies of different groups having signed the Geneva Call "Deed of commitment" will be an important element of these discussions. Contact: ereusseSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERworldcom.ch

Taiwan – ICBL member EdenSocial Welfare Foundation launched an English webpage. Visit http://www.eden.org.tw/eng or contact encorepSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTEReden.org.tw

Thailand – Members of the Thai Campaign to Ban Landmines (TCBL) participated in the “Landmines in South East Asia” Conference hosted by the Royal Thai Government 13-15 May with support from the Governments of Australia, Canada and Japan. All the ASEAN governments except for Burma and Singapore attended the meeting. In a press release, TCBL congratulated “the Royal Thai government for seeking to engage all its neighbors in discussing the landmine ban as a regional confidence building initiative, and for hosting the meeting. The TCBL also commends the participation of non-party states Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia and the Lao PDR in this meeting.” Regional campaigners also expressed their disappointment at the non-attendance of Singapore and Burma. TCBL expressed support for the seminar recommendations that all participants report the results of the seminar to their home country for policy development, and that a working group be proposed at the next ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting. TCBL, regional campaigners and the ICBL called on all members of ASEAN to return to Bangkok in September 2003, when Thailand will be the expected host of the Fifth Meeting of States Party, as full parties. For this conference, TCBL hosted campaign members and contact points from Southeast Asian countries and the ICBL coordinator. TCBL also hosted a regional campaign meeting the day before the event, during which campaigners exchanged information on activities and discussed regional strategies for the coming year. TCBL and other regional CBL members addressed the conference, participated in all of its events, including a TMAC trip to see demining on the Cambodian border. TCBL also organized a press conference at the Conference at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand and an official launch of “ASEAN and the Banning of the Anti-Personnel Landmine” - a South East Asia regional version of the Landmine Monitor Report. For more information see http://www.icbl.org/news/2002/178.php or contact: thailandSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

TCBL and several non-governmental organizations working for people with disabilities presented a letter to the Prime Minister at Government House in Bangkok on 22 August. Advisors to the Prime Minister H.E. Kriangkamol Lohaphairote and H.E. Maj. Gen. Kasem Yuktavira received the delegation of 12 TCBL members, led by TCBL Chairman Fr Vichai Phoktavi, SJ. The delegation spoke with the two Advisors to the Prime Minister about the planning of the 5MSP, as Thailand is the expected host, and aspects of mine action in Thailand. Contact: thailandSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

Following an exhibition of posters, statistics and video presentations on the campuses of two Universities, active catholic students together with TCBL are organizing an exposure trip for students from Kasertsart University, Kampaengsan campus and Assumption University to Sa Kaew province to meet and be with landmine victims in several villages. Contact: jpthaiSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERasiaaccess.net.th

On 19 August a Simulation of Emergency Response to Landmine Accident was held in Chanthaburi Province. To complement the Sub-District Level Workshop on Mine Risk Education and Emergency Steps to be taken when an accident occurs, a Simulation of Emergency Response took place 19 August in Chanthaburi Province, involving all actors at the local level. Contact: ruangsilpSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERksc.th.com

TCBL and the Catholic Social Communications of Thailand produced a photographic book in Thai and English language entitled "Landmines...Heritage of War" which came out in August 2002. Contact: thailandSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

TCBL member Nonviolence international has written a special report on the Impact of Landmines in Burma, 2002, to be released at the 4MSP by Nonviolence International and Landmine Survivors Network. Contact: seasiaSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERnonviolenceinternational.net

Turkey- The Turkish Campaign to Ban Landmines produced an 8-minute video entitled “8 Years Ago” which will be distributed on CD Rom to relevant national NGOs. The video includes an introduction, reportage including an interview with a landmine survivor and a summary including the Campaign’s call to action. Contact: mbalciSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERmayinsizbirturkiye.org

Ukraine- A campaign representative participated in the intersessional standing committee meetings in Geneva in May. On 3 July 2002 a special meeting was held of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine with Ukrainian peacekeepers and members of the Executive Board of the Ukrainian Peacekeepers Association in Kiev. On 9 July the NATO Secretary General formally opened the project for the destruction of PMM mines. The refurbishment of the facility has been completed. The project is supported by Canada, Hungary, the Netherlands and Poland. The First Ukrainian Civilian Unit traveled to Lebanon in July to participate in the UNIFIL Peacekeeping operation and Humanitarian Demining in South Lebanon in the Mine Action Task Force (MATF) Unit. Contact: yuridonskoySPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERyahoo.com

United Kingdom - LAUKparticipated in the intersessional standing committee meetings in Geneva in May and the 4MSP. Contact: infoSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERlandmineaction.org

United States- The US Campaign to Ban Landmines (USCBL) undertook advocacy on victim assistance legislation during this period. "International Disability and Victims of Landmines, Civil Strife and Warfare Assistance Act of 2001" was introduced in the fall of 2001 (House bill 3169 sponsored by Rep. Tom Lantos) and the Senate (Senate bill 1777 sponsored by Sen. Clinton). The USCBL put information about this bill on their website and encouraged website visitors to contact their Senators and House members and urge them to cosponsor it. Together with member the Landmine Survivors Network, USCBL specified key Senators who serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and through their website, email and telephone, as well as their email newsletter, encouraged USCBL members and the general public to contact these key Senators. Many USDCBL members agreed to contact their legislators about this bill. The bills are still pending in the House and the Senate and may come to a vote in the fall. In June, the USCBL held meetings with Japanese, EU, Canadian, German, and French Embassies in Washington DC to urge these governments to raise the landmine policy issue with the US at the G8 Summit and at subsequent bi-lateral meetings. USCBL will follow up with these governments at the 4MSP. In July USCBL sent a fundraising appeal to all USCBL member organizations, and is planning an online charity auction. A postcard initiative for Maine has been launched for September-November, attempting to get 500 people from Maine to sign postcards to both Senators Collins and Snowe urging them to write a letter to President Bush about US mines policy. USCBL will participate in the 4MSP in Geneva. Information dissemination to members and the general public is ongoing, including an email newsletter for students and updating of the website http://www.banminesusa.org

Contact: banminesSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERphrusa.org

International and Virtual:

Action Alerts – For the G8 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada on 26 and 27 June ICBL urged States Parties to promote the treaty and raise concerns with Russia and the U.S.A, the two non-signatories. Letters were sent to all 6 States Parties (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom), within the G8, and to the European Commission, present at the Summit. The letters were also copied to Canadian Prime Minister Chretien. Some campaigns met with embassies of these 6 in their countries and numerous responses were received. Mines Action Canada also participated in the Group of 6 billion global citizens (GB6), the alternative NGO forum which took place just prior to the leader's summit in Calgary, Canada. For information see http://www.icbl.org/news/2002/187.php or contact: wixleySPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org The final document including reference to landmine removal in Africa can be accessed at: http://www.g8.gc.ca/2002Kananaskis/afraction-en.asp

The ICBL’s July Action Alert focused on 12 non-signatory and signatory countries, urging them to ratify or accede to the Antipersonnel Mine Ban Treaty as soon as possible, and ideally by the 4MSP. Specific strategies and approaches were laid out for each country and ICBL members were encouraged to lobby and campaign on the 12 countries in the lead up to the 4MSP, in addition to ongoing efforts for long term universalization and effective and full implementation of the Convention. See http://www.icbl.org/news/2002/190.php or contact: wixleySPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

During this period the ICBL sent letters to all of the 12 priority countries and to all other signatories urging them to ratify before the Fourth Meeting of States Parties and to all States Parties urging meaningful participation and positive steps in treaty implementation in the lead up to the 4MSP. The ICBL also supported the Conference "Building a Peaceful Future for Afghanistan: A Total Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines". The ICBL cooperated with the Afghan CBL and the UN Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan in organizing the conference, hosted by the Government of Afghanistan. ICBL Ambassador Jody Williams participated in the event in Kabul (see Afghanistan).

On 13 September in Oslo, Norway the ICBL also launched its program – “Sponsor a Mine-Detection Dog” to provide support to its member organizations that work to remove landmines all around the world. During 2002 the money raised from this program will support Norwegian People’s Aid mine detection dog program. The launch took place at the Norwegian Red Cross, where Jody Williams and an NPA dog and dog instructor providing a public demonstration. On 16September in Geneva at the United Nations for the opening of the 4MSP Jody and her dog Golda provided another demonstration. When Jody received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, with the ICBL, the Swedish group Humanity Dog gave Golda to her as a present. As she was trained to save lives, Jody was happy to donate her to NPA. Golda, a seven and a half year old German Shepherd, has worked detecting landmines since September 1998. She has worked in Kosovo, and now, she currently works in Bosnia. http://www.sponsor-a-minedog.org

Viva Rio, in collaboration with other NGOs in the MERCOSUR region, launched a website desarme.org with news and information in Spanish and Portuguese on disarmament and related campaigns, including the ICBL. The site was developed in order to respond to demands for information in these languages by researchers, activists, government, and the general public. The focus of the site is global, though there is a focus on Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Latin America, Lusophone Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. http://www.desarme.org

Youth- The Youth Against War Treaty signature campaign was launched. Signatures are being collected by youth around the world to send to the governments of India and Pakistan on 5 February 2002, showing both countries that the youth of the world are against landmine use. ICBL campaigns in countries including India, Pakistan, Brazil, Nepal, Canada, United States, Cameroon, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Australia and Thailand are actively participating in the signature collection. For more information about the Youth Against War Treaty campaign and how to get involved please visit http://www.icbl.org/youth/yaw or contact yawSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org.

The ICBL participated in the United Nations Special Session on Children was held 8-10 May 2002 in New York, USA. This unprecedented event brought together Heads of State, government leaders, youth and non-governmental and international organizations from around the world to access the progress made since the 1990 World Summit for Children and to re-commit to working to improve the lives of the world’s children. The ICBL worked with UNICEF, the Quaker UN Office and other partners to organize Taking Charge! Youth Action Planning on Landmines and Small Arms, a youth workshop held 8 May at the Quaker House in New York.

The ICBL participated in a number of events throughout the week including the Roots of Peace garden dedication ceremony and luncheon and numerous NGO and UNICEF panels and discussions themed around children in armed conflict. For further information about the SSOC, please visit http://www.unicef.org/specialsession/ or contact youthSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

Many youth in campaigns around the world took extraordinary actions over the past several months. Chie Kawakami and other Japan Campaign to Ban Landmines youth members launched the Japanese Youth Action Forum website on 24 June, located at http://www.icbl.org/youth/jp (see Japan). Sehrish Shaban of the Pakistan Campaign to Ban Landmines participated in landmines-related events and workshops at the European International Model United Nations conference in The Hague, Netherlands and the World Youth Civil Society Forum in Geneva, Switzerland (see Pakistan). As well, youth campaigners in Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Nepal and other countries held awareness-raising seminars and events and continued to build momentum in the ICBL’s youth movement (see Brazil, Cameroon, Canada and Nepal). Jody Williams, Sehrish Shaban and Jackie Hansen also participated in Mandate the Future’s online Youth Event 2002, which included a focus on landmines. Please contact youthSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

The ICBL also launched several youth action alerts youth to encourage Yugoslavia to join the Mine Ban Treaty (http://www.icbl.org/youth/news/00000030.html) and to promote the Youth Against War Treaty (http://www.icbl.org/youth/news/00000031.html) In addition, the Youth Campaign Kit was also added to the Youth Action Forum website and can be downloaded in English, French and Spanish at http://www.icbl.org/youth/resources/youthkit.html Contact: youthSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

Intersessional Work Programme- Participation in the Intersessional Standing Committee meetings in May, as in January, reached record levels, with between 439 – 452 persons in attendance representing more than 100 countries (73 States Parties and approximately 30 States not Parties), dozens of non-governmental organization (NGO) members of ICBL, Landmine Monitor (LM) Researchers, academic institutions and International, UN and Regional Organizations. More than 70 ICBL campaigners attended the May Standing Committee meetings. ICBL participated in briefings for the Geneva based missions prior to the May intersessional week, as well as the newly established briefing for first-time participants to the intersessionals held on the opening morning of the May intersessional week.

ICBL Campaigners undertook advocacy activities in their countries prior to the meetings. During the intersessional weeks, daily ICBL NGO meetings were held, along with several Working Group meetings and dozens of bilateral meetings with governments and international organizations. In addition, Landmine Monitor Fact Sheets were issued on Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9 and ICBL provided copies of its quarterly update, the latest list of States Parties, Signatories and States not Parties, the Calendar of Events and other resources, including Landmine Monitor 2001. Several other informational documents were issued by individual NGO members of ICBL, including on matters related to victim assistance. ICBL is a key participant in the Universalization Contact Group led by Canada, which coordinates efforts to promote universalization by two dozen governments, along with ICBL, ICRC and other international organizations. ICBL is also an active participant in the Article 7 Contact Group chaired by Belgium, which was expanded in 2002 to include Article 9. The Chairs of the ICBL Treaty, Mine Action and Victim Assistance Working Groups presented opening overviews for the Standing Committees on Stockpile Destruction, Mine Clearance and Victim Assistance, as well as overviews throughout the Standing Committee on General Status and Operation of the Convention. All documents issued are available on the ICBL website. All currently available ICBL updates/reports and official statements from the May 2002 intersessional week can be found on the ICBL website at: http://www.icbl.org/sc

The ICBL website also includes links to the GICHD website, where all annual MSP and intersessional agendas and reports, including May SC reports, can be found: http://www.apminebanconvention.org/intersessional-work-programme/may-2002/ Contact: walkerSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

Raising the Voices- Thisleadership training program hosted by the ICBL’s Working Group on Victim Assistance, and coordinated by Landmine Survivors Network, is designed to develop in-depth training for survivors to be full participants in the implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty. The goal is to “ensure their effective involvement in the expression of their needs and means developed to meet those needs.” Raising the Voices continued in the second session of its second year, supported by donations from Canada and Norway. Seven landmine survivors from Lusophone and Anglophone Africa (Angola, Mozambique, Ethiopia, South Africa and Sudan) participated in the fourth session of “Raising the Voices”. As in previous sessions, participants were actively engaged in the Standing Committees and addressed the Standing Committee on Victim Assistance. A fifth session will be conducted during and following the 4MSP in Geneva with all 14 participants from the third and fourth sessions in September. Each year a new group of landmine survivors participates in the programme, with the regional focus changing each time. Next year’s focus will likely be Asia, in anticipation of the 5MSP being held in Thailand, subject to approval by the States Parties at the 4MSP. Contact: raquelSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERlandminesurvivors.org

United Nations

United Nations Mine Action Service – UNMAS provided much support and logistical coordination for the conference “Building a Peaceful Future for Afghanistan: a Total Ban of Antipersonnel Mines” organized by the Government of Afghanistan with the support of ACBL, ICBL and UN Mine Centre for Afghanistan (MACA).The United Nations Strategy for Mine Action Advocacy is being developed; it should be ready by end-2002. The strategy aims to create a coordinated approach to mine action advocacy for the UN system. Similarly, the United Nations Policy for Victim Assistance is also being developed and should be ready by year-end. The aim of the policy is to The United Nations has been supporting the work of the Group of Governmental Experts on explosive remnants of war (ERW) and mines other than antipersonnel mines (MOTAPM) by providing the field perspective on these issues. Mr. John Flanagan , on behalf of UNMAS, presented a paper on the humanitarian dimensions of MOTAPM and another one on the information needed when clearing ERW. Contact: http://www.mineaction.org/ or seckjSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERun.org

UNICEF- UNICEF Global Landmines Coordinator represented UNICEF at the conference “Building a Peaceful Future for Afghanistan: a Total Ban of Antipersonnel Mines” organized by the Government of Afghanistan with the support of ACBL, ICBL and UNMAS (See Afghanistan). The UNICEF Global Landmines Coordinator or her deputy conducted field mission visits to Angola, Cambodia and Chad during this period. For copies of “Things that go BANG!” UNICEF’s monthly e-bulletin regarding landmines and small arms, contact: landminesSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERunicef.org

GICHD - The period was marked by the setting-up of the Implementation Support Unit (ISU), which has provided support to the work of the Co-ordinating Committee, the current President and the in-coming President’s efforts to prepare the 4MSP. The ISU has established itself as a means for the States Parties and others to obtain timely and comprehensive information on the Convention its implementation, and also began work to establish a documentation resource facility. In addition, the GICHD consolidated its operational support and research activities, continued its efforts in disseminating the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA), and carried out a number of evaluation and assessment missions. The Centre also facilitated the May session of the Standing Committees, and continued to administer the Sponsorship Programme on behalf of a Group of Donors. To request a copy of the newsletter or for further information, see http://www.gichd.ch