Article 1 contains the general obligations that clearly and comprehensively ban antipersonnel mines. The ICBL has repeatedly asked States Parties to come to a common understanding of what acts are and are not permitted under Article 1(c), under which each State Party undertakes never under any circumstances to assist, encourage or induce, in any way, anyone to engage in any activity prohibited to a State Party under the Convention. In particular, the ICBL has called for States Parties to reach a common interpretation of the term "assist," especially relative to (a) the use of antipersonnel mines by non-signatories in joint operations with States Parties and (b) the stockpiling and transit of foreign antipersonnel mines.
It appears that various States Parties may have significantly different understandings about what acts are permitted. The ICBL urges States Parties to clarify their views on the legality of joint operations with non-signatories using mines, as well as foreign stockpiling and transit of antipersonnel mines. The ICBL recommends that States Parties outline their national positions on these issues through appropriate means such as position papers or statements to the Standing Committee or the Meetings of States Parties.
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