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Thursday 22 November 2007
Amman, 22 November - The Eighth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty concluded today in Jordan, one of only seven states parties to the treaty in the Middle East and North Africa. The meeting was attended by 115 countries as well as representatives from civil society and international agencies. Over 250 members of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), also attended the meeting.
“The meeting has served to reinvigorate the mine ban community and reaffirm commitment to finish the task we began 10 years ago when the Mine Ban Treaty was signed,” said Steve Goose, head of the ICBL delegation.
“In a world wracked by violence, it is comforting to see that this treaty, which combines humanitarian and disarmament goals, is still extremely healthy,” Goose added, stressing the unique ongoing cooperation between states, civil society, UN agencies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross on the issue.
At the opening of the meeting on 18 November Palau announced its accession to the treaty. The participation of 20 countries that are not party to the treaty yet – seven of which from the Middle East and North Africa region - is also a positive sign of continued engagement with the issue.
“Holding the meeting in Jordan has had positive effects in the region,” said Ayman Sorour, Director of Protection, an Egyptian NGO and member of the ICBL Management Committee. “In the run-up to the meeting, Kuwait and Iraq acceded to the treaty and we are hopeful that countries like Bahrain and Oman will also join soon.”
ICBL Ambassador Jody Williams addresses the opening of the meeting. Photo: M. Balci
Discussions during the meeting highlighted the fact that the Mine Ban Treaty is a “success in progress” and emphasised the action that is needed to reach the treaty’s goal of ridding the world of landmines and the suffering they cause.
“The ICBL is pleased with the final document adopted at the meeting, which sets out key objectives and actions for the coming year,” Goose said.
Discussions focussed on the two crucial aspects of implementation at this point in the life of the treaty: mine clearance and victim assistance.
Regrettably, indications that more than half of the 29 states with clearance deadlines for 2009 and 2010 will not meet them were confirmed this week. While the possibility of granting deadline extensions is included in the treaty, the meeting made it clear that requests to this effect will be carefully examined and there will be no rubber-stamped approvals.
In a show of ownership and direct engagement, the meeting also saw an active participation by a large contingent of landmine survivors and – for the first time in a forum of this kind – a parallel session entirely facilitated by mine victims. Also for the first time youth from 30 countries participated in a parallel model review conference and developed a Jordan Action Plan. ENDS../
Media contacts – Arabic: Ayman Sorour +962 795 506846; English: Simona Beltrami +972 799650189
