1 March 2003
(Thursday 13 March 2003 ) The 4th Anniversary of the Entry into force of the Convention banning antipersonnel mines. Warsaw, Poland.
Madame, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Last Tuesday, on February 18th, Mr. Syed Mohammad Akram, who lived in the village of Maina, in Pakistan, died in a landmine explosion when he was walking back home, after having prayed at the mosque. He died before reaching the Hospital. Mr Akram was just above 50 years old. This story sorely remind us of the threat that people living in mine affected countries have to cope with, every day, like the people of Poland during so many years after the Second World War.
This very sad story brings us to the very reason why we need to celebrate the Fourth anniversary of the Entry into force of the Convention which bans these terrifying weapons and its achievements since that date. But the tragic death of Mr Syed Mohammad Akram must also lead more governments, more organisations, all of us to take action to avoid this story to be endlessly repeated. Because one of the main lessons learned from this Campaign, since it started in 1992, is that IT IS POSSIBLE now to put an end to these sufferings. The Convention gives us the framework to do so.
As Ambassador Lint, and other speakers before me, rightly stated, we have good reasons to be proud of what we have all achieved, so far. In these challenging times for peace, disarmament and even solidarity, 131 States have agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Convention. They agreed to ban the weapon from their arsenal, destroy their stockpiles, to clear mines – or help clearing them, and to assist their victims. Another 15 States have also engaged themselves by signing the Convention, but have to ratify it to live up to their commitment. This is our expectation and our hope that Poland now soon joins other countries in Europe, including other European NATO members, as a full Party to this Convention.
We can be proud because the compliance with this Convention is exemplary. 45 States were due to destroy their stockpile by March 1, 2003, which is today. All of them but one have provided information that they completed these destructions on time. 12 others States Parties are in the process of destroying their stocks, which brings to 30 million, the number of mines destroyed by States Parties so far, when another 6 million (approx) have been destroyed by non-State Parties. Considering that these mines will never ever be found in the ground somewhere nor will they threaten anybody, stockpile destruction appears to be a very cost effective preventative mine action !
These figures also show how seriously this Convention is considered by the Community of States who have joined it, be they from the North, the South, the East or the West ; be they considered wealthy or poor and be they mine affected or not. The implementation of the Convention is simply exemplary. New States are joining, and the level of active participation in the Fourth Meeting of States Parties, last September in Geneva was impressive. Twice a year, during the meetings of the Standing Committees, which measure the progress done and what needs to be addressed, we can see that the momentum is not falling down and that the political will is there and growing. 121 States participated actively in the last meeting just one month ago in Geneva, including 25 States not Parties to the Convention, such as Poland.
This shows how strong is our determination to finish what we have started, to rid the world of antipersonnel mines and address concretely, pragmatically and comprehensively the humanitarian consequences of the proliferation of these weapons.
Celebrations are also needed to gain new energy to move further toward your goal, which is for all of us the same : a mine free world. Antipersonnel mines are a humanitarian disaster and continue to claim thousands human lives annually, like the one of Mr Syed Mohammad Akram, adding to the total number of survivors and mine-affected communities each year.
But we have the framework for a Mine Free World. We have this historic Convention and it continues to be a success. We have the tools to translate the hope of the Convention into reality on the ground, if we remain determined to work together. Our panel today, here in Warsaw, is, once again, a true example of the extraordinary and effective partnership between governments, UN Agencies, NGOs and the movement of the Red Cross which has grown up during all these years, and which remains key to reach our goal.
We are making constant, measurable progress and need to redouble our efforts to ensure that we deliver on the promise that is the Convention. Millions in mine-affected communities worldwide deserve to be able to walk and live without fear. Continuing to work together, in partnership between governments and civil society, we can and we will achieve this.
Sylvie BRIGOT
Government Relations Officer
International Campaign to Ban Landmines.
