ANNEX V
At the First Meeting of the States Parties, the intersessional programme was established to focus and advance the international community’s mine action efforts and to measure progress made in achieving our objectives. This programme, which involved the work of five Standing Committees of Experts (SCEs), was designed to serve as a practical means to assist in the implementation of the Convention.
The President’s Action Programme has been developed to help in this process of implementation by identifying practical steps that can be taken in accordance with the recommendations of the SCEs. It provides a summary of concrete initiatives and activities that flow from the work of the SCEs as well as other specific initiatives that have been announced since the conclusion of the work of the SCEs or during the Second Meeting of the States Parties (SMSP) itself. In doing so, it is a mechanism that both builds upon past work and is forward looking in ensuring that the aims of the SCEs are realized. In addition, to assist in the coordination of our collective efforts, the President’s Action Programme includes a rolling calendar of future mine action activities that are consistent with this objective.
In developing their work plans for the 2000-2001 Standing Committees, Co-Chairs of the various Standing Committees are encouraged to facilitate the implementation of relevant portions of the President’s Action Programme. In addition, States Parties and other parties are urged to consider participating in the implementation of the actions listed in this document and implementing, where relevant, other recommendations contained in the reports of the Standing Committees of Experts. (See annex IV.)
1. Revising technical standards for mine action: The SCE recommended that all mine action partners be encouraged to contribute to the process of revising international standards for mine action being undertaken by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) on behalf of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and that work should be undertaken to support their effective dissemination and implementation. UNMAS, in conjunction with the GICHD, will soon make a final draft of the standards available on its web site and advise interested parties of the site details and request comment.
2. Revising guidelines for mine action: The relevance of mine action guidelines and principles for good practice was recognized by the SCE. To follow-up on this recommendation, preliminary work undertaken by Handicap International (HI), the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA) and the Bad Honnef group will be further revised and disseminated by the ICBL Mine Action Working Group (MAWG).
3. Developing indigenous capacities for mine action: The critical importance of developing indigenous mine action capacities and reinforcing national leadership was highlighted by the SCE. In support of this objective, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is providing assistance to 15 mine-affected countries. This assistance includes the establishment of mine action centres and the provision of training and resource mobilization. In addition, UNDP is currently conducting a management training course for senior mine action officials, and further courses are planned. Furthermore, numerous non-governmental organizations are also developing mine action capacities in mine-affected countries.
4. Enhancing transparency in mine action funding: It was recognized by the SCE that the UNMAS database of donor activity, Mine Action Investments, will be effective only if the data is substantially complete and if progress is made towards the database becoming the definitive source for donor activity. UNMAS is continuing to work to encourage donors to enter both data on donor activity and information on donors’ policies regarding the provision of mine action funding.
5. Improving the operating environment for mine clearance: It was recommended by the SCE that action be taken to establish best practices with respect to ensuring a conducive operating environment for mine clearance. To this end the ICBL Mine Action Working Group will prepare recommendations which will be brought to the Standing Committee on Mine Clearance.
6. Supporting socio-economic analysis in planning and evaluating mine action: It was recommended by the SCE that the findings of studies on socio-economic impacts and mine action undertaken by the GICHD on behalf of UNDP be widely disseminated. In addition, it was recognized that mine clearance should be integrated, where relevant, into the larger context of reconstruction, development and peace-building. To follow-up on this recommendation, UNDP will widely disseminate their study and produce a socio-economic handbook for mine action managers. Training and workshops may also be conducted in mine-affected countries. In addition, the Survey Working Group, the International Peace Research Institute, Oslo (PRIO) and the NPA will make available the standards and protocols that they have developed as well as independent studies that will help to establish socio-economic indicators.
7. Improving the exchange of mine action information: A number of recommendations were made by the SCE with respect to further disseminating information on mine action and enhancing mine action information tools. To this end, UNMAS is working to link its web-based project portfolio with non-governmental organizations’ portfolios and is considering adding to its web-site country data-input opportunities and more links to mine-affected sites and mine action centres. (See: http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/mine/.) UNMAS is also undertaking a number of other steps (e.g., working with the Spokesman’s Office, contributing content to other mine action information sources, etc.) within the United Nations system to improve upon the dissemination of information. In addition, the ICBL MAWG will update the NGO portfolios and make them available on the Internet. Reciprocal links will be developed amongst numerous relevant organizations.
8. Improving the quality of mine action information from the field: The SCE endorsed the work of the Survey Action Centre (SAC) and recommended that survey findings be disseminated and that further surveys take place. To this end, surveys are being undertaken or planned for Cambodia, Chad, Lebanon, Mozambique and Thailand.
9. Improving the testing and evaluation of demining equipment: The SCE recommended that measures be taken to enhance the testing and evaluation of mine clearance equipment, with a focus on technologies that are affordable, accessible and appropriate. An International Test and Evaluation Program (ITEP) for humanitarian demining equipment, processes and methods has been established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 17 July 2000 between the European Commission, Canada, the United States, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Sweden. The ITEP mandate is to develop methods for test and evaluation and to use these methods to evaluate demining equipment before it is deployed to the field.
1. Disseminating information on victim assistance programmes: A number of actions were proposed by the SCE with respect to the development and distribution of a portfolio of victim assistance programmes in order to highlight the range of victim assistance activities, promote transparency in programming and highlight current gaps in our efforts. The ICBL Working Group on Victim Assistance (WGVA), as the facilitator of the Portfolio Network Group of the Standing Committee of Experts on Victim Assistance, produced the Portfolio of Victims Assistance Programs, which was distributed at the SMSP. The WGVA will make the Portfolio more broadly available via the Internet and other distribution methods and will update it annually if it is deemed to be a useful tool.
2. Enhancing transparency in victim assistance programming: The SCE recommended that further work be undertaken to enhance transparency surrounding the implementation of, and compliance with, Article 6.3 of the Convention regarding the provision of assistance to landmine victims. Consequently, ICBL WGVA will continue its work to provide States Parties with guidance on how to effectively report on implementation of Article 6.3 of the Convention, including providing suggestions on how to use "Form J" in the amended Article 7 reporting format.
3. Disseminating victim assistance information through national focal points: The SCE recommended that governments establish a focal point on victim assistance from which information such as the global portfolio, guidelines and methodologies could be channelled to relevant actors. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) together with the ICBL will approach all relevant States by December 2000 to designate these focal points.
4. Coordinating donor activity: The SCE recommended that interested parties further develop more effective methods of donor coordination, at both the country and global levels. Sweden will work with interested parties to facilitate the establishment of mechanisms, which would interact directly with relevant victim assistance coordinating bodies in mine-affected countries. (Note: Mozambique, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Afghanistan and others have already established coordinating mechanisms.)
5. Disseminating and encouraging implementation of all victim assistance guidelines: Relevant parties were encouraged by the SCE to take into account existing victim assistance guidelines when developing and evaluating victim assistance programmes. To this end, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), WHO, UNICEF, ICBL and UNMAS have distributed the major guidelines on victim assistance to mine action centres, demining institutes, governments and numerous other relevant organizations. These organizations will ensure additional distribution of guidelines as required. In addition, the GICHD will contribute to the collection and dissemination of guidelines through its web site and documentation centre.
6. Disseminating and implementing mine awareness guidelines: Relevant parties were encouraged by the SCE to ensure that the UNICEF Guidelines for Mine Awareness are widely disseminated as a learning tool for programming agencies and integrated into programme development. UNICEF will continue its active dissemination of the Mine Awareness Guidelines. In addition, on 12 September 2000, UNICEF launched its initiative aimed at training programme managers and mine awareness community facilitators.
7. Improving victim assistance data and information management: The SCE recommended that enhancements be made to the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) to take into consideration data related to mine awareness and mine incidents. To this end, UNMAS and the GICHD are further developing and refining relevant IMSMA modules. In addition, the SCE recommended that WHO further develop its integrated surveillance system on victims and trauma in a gender-disaggregated form. WHO will follow-up on this recommendation.
8. Improving victim assistance information and data collection: A number of actions were proposed by the SCE with respect to obtaining more reliable victim assistance data and more effectively disseminating these data. In addition, Landmine Survivors Network will, with support from UNMAS, expand the Rehab Service Database.
1. Providing assistance for stockpile destruction: It was recommended by the SCE that those parties that have completed the destruction of their stockpiles make their expertise available to those in need. To this end, Switzerland will establish a training programme for stockpile destruction management. Furthermore, to assist in fulfilling this objective in the Americas, Argentina and Canada, in cooperation with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations Department for Disarmament Affairs (UNDDA), will host a seminar in Buenos Aires on 6-7 November 2000.
2. Improving the exchange of information on stockpile destruction: It was agreed within the SCE that efforts should be made to collect and exchange more information on the stockpile destruction needs of States Parties and other States, and the assistance available to meet these needs. Accordingly, Canada is assisting UNMAS in developing a web site to facilitate information exchanges on experiences and best practices in stockpile destruction and to enable States that may need technical assistance to make their needs known. In addition, UNDP has compiled a number of case studies on stockpile destruction which it will disseminate.
3. Destroying mines in an efficient and environmentally sound manner: Discussions were held within the SCE on ways and means to ensure that global stocks are destroyed in the fastest, most cost-effective way and with the least harmful effects to the environment. To facilitate exchanges of technical information on these issues, Hungary and Canada will host a seminar in early 2001 on the unique challenges associated with the destruction of PFM mines, which, if not handled properly, can corrode and cause significant damage to individuals and the environment.
1. Universalizing the Convention: The importance of continuing efforts leading to the
universalization of the Convention was highlighted by the SCE. Several States Parties, including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, along with the ICRC and ICBL, have agreed to continue activities of an informal and open-ended Universalization Contact Group to facilitate coordinated action with a view to encouraging additional ratifications and accessions to the Convention. In addition, France and Canada, in cooperation with the Organization of African Unity (OAU), are organizing a conference on the universalization and implementation of the Convention in Africa, to be hosted by Mali in Bamako on 15-16 February 2001.
2. Encouraging compliance with Article 7: The SCE recommended that joint efforts be undertaken to encourage compliance with Article 7 of the Convention. To this end, Belgium has agreed to continue to coordinate these efforts with the participation of all interested parties. In addition, Belgium will work with interested States, the ICBL and UNDDA to develop a guide to completing Article 7 reports.
3. Continuing dialogue on Article 2: The SCE welcomed the offer by the ICRC to host discussions to examine the technical characteristics of existing stocks of anti-vehicle mines, as well as those that may be acquired in the future, to ensure that they are designed to minimize the risk to civilians. The ICRC has confirmed that it will host discussions on these matters in March or April 2001 and will provide further details on the structure of and preparations for the meeting in time for the December 2000 Standing Committee meetings.
4. Operationalizing Article 8: The SCE agreed that expert work should proceed on matters pertaining to operationalization of Article 8. To this end, Canada will host a workshop in Ottawa in November 2000 to prepare detailed recommendations in time for possible review in December 2000 by the Standing Committee on the Status and Operation of the Convention.
5. Clarifying matters pertaining to mines retained under Article 3: The SCE highlighted the need for greater understanding of matters pertaining to anti-personnel mines retained for training and development under Article 3 of the Convention and received numerous clarifications from States Parties on this matter. To further clarify reasons why mines are retained and used in a manner consistent with Article 3, the Co-Chairs of the Standing Committee on the General Status and Operation of the Convention, Belgium and Zimbabwe, will continue a dialogue on this topic during future meetings of the Standing Committee.
6. Promoting the establishment of national implementing legislation: The SCE invited States Parties to work with interested organizations to develop a sample package of existing implementation legislation to assist other States Parties in establishing legislation. In response to this suggestion, the ICRC will work with the ICBL, the Co-Chairs of the Standing Committee on the General Status and Operation of the Convention, Belgium and Zimbabwe, and other interested parties on developing and disseminating such a package of legislation.
7. Preparing for meetings of the States Parties: The SCE undertook to prepare for the Second Meeting of the States Parties. To build upon this practice, the Co-Chairs of the Standing Committee on the General Status and Operation of the Convention, Belgium and Zimbabwe, will ensure that work proceeds in preparation for the Third Meeting of the States Parties. As part of this work, the Co-Chairs will review the rules of procedure in consultation with the Coordinating Committee.
September
16: Handicap International Landmines Day. Events in Belgium, France, Germany and Luxembourg. Shoe pyramids in 16 cities throughout France. Contact: Handicap International, sylviebrigotHI@compuserve.com or www.handicap-international.org
19-20: Varese, Italy. Use of Satellites and Integrated Technologies for Humanitarian Purposes co-organized by EURISY and the European Commission/Joint Research Centre. Contact: Tel +39 0332 789370; Fax: +39 0332 782435; email: dorit.schlittenhardt@jrc.org
21: Brussels, Belgium. Landmines Awareness Day in the European Parliament. Contact: sylviebrigotHI@compuserve.com
22: Queensland, Australia. Exhibition opening at the Queensland Museum on refugees and landmines. Exhibitions throughout Queensland 22 September-19 November organized by Austcare. Contact: qldoffice@austcare.org.au
25: Bogota, Colombia: Launching of the book, Sembrando minas, cosechando muerte. Contact: cccminas2@cccminas.org
28: Tokyo, Japan: Symposium on Landmines. Contact: shimizu@jca.ax.apc.org
28-29: Luanda, Angola. SADC Landmine Victim Assistance Workshop to develop a "SADC Plan of Action for Landmine Victims" organized by SADC's Regional Mine Action Coordination Office in Gaborone, Botswana. Contact: JML Ndlovu at JMNdlovu@sadc.int
October
7-15: Australia. Refugee Week. Clearing a Safe Path. Events in all states. Contact: qldoffice@austcare.org.au
8: Spain and France. Cambodian Landmine Dancers with 13 year old survivor Srey Mom tours Spain and France from 8 October-4 December. Contact: camban@camnet.com.kh
11: Colombia. Conference at the University of Los Andes - "Colombia and Anti-Personnel Mines: What you can do." Contact: cccminas2@cccminas.org
17: Azerbaijan. On the occasion of Azerbaijan Republic Day, "Azerbaijan without Mines" meeting with participation of governmental institutes, national NGOs, political parties and journalists. Contact: root@ipd.baku.az
18: Sydney, Australia. Media event and presentation to Cambodian Para-Olympics Team of mine survivors. Contact: fmorgan@ncca.org.au or AUSAID
25-27: Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti. Horn of Africa/Gulf of Aden Conference on Landmines hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti in collaboration with the Institute for Practical Research and Training. Contact: Tel/Fax: +252 2 52 3152 or ahesa@rocketmail.com
28: Djibouti: Landmine Monitor Meeting for Horn of Africa Researchers. Contact: ahesa@rocketmail.com or lm@icbl.org
November
4-5: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Americas Landmine Monitor researchers and ICBL campaigners meeting. Contact: macinfo@web.ca
6-7: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Regional Seminar on Stockpile Destruction of Antipersonnel Mines co-hosted by the Governments of Argentina and Canada in collaboration with the OAS Mine Action Program and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UN-Lirec). Contact: Mélanie Régimbal, Mine Action Team, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Canada);
fax: 1 613 944 2501; email: melanie.regimbal@dfait-maeci.gc.ca; or: Santiago Villalba, Division of International Security, Nuclear and Space Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Fax: 5411 4819 7828; email svi@mrecic.gov.ar
12-13: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam: APEC Summit.
13: Melbourne, Australia. World Vision Australia International Landmines Seminar. Objectives: a forum for exchange between NGOs, interested members of the public and landmine sectoral specialists, on current issues for advocacy and programming. Contact: Heather Elliott, World Vision Australia: Fax: +61 3 9287 2315, email: elliotth@wva.org.au
X: Ottawa, Canada. Workshop on the operationalization of Article 8. Contact: kerry.brinkert@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
X: Kiribati. South Pacific Forum. Contact: http://www.forumsec.org.fj/
X: International Landmines Conference hosted by World Vision Australia. Contact: Rob Lutton, World Vision Australia, luttonr@wva.org.au
December
3: International. Third Anniversary of the Opening for Signature of the 1997 Landmines Convention and International Day for Disabled Persons.
4-8 Geneva, Switzerland. Meetings of the Standing Committees established by the SMSP to the Convention. Contact: GICHD. Tel: 41 22 906 1662/63; Fax: 41 22 906 1690; email: gichd@gichd.ch; web site: http://www.gichd.ch
4-8: St. Petersburg, Russia. First Hockey-on-Prostheses Championship. Contact: International Institute for Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Landmine Survivors,
Tel: 781-297-1204; email: mpitkin@lifespan.org
11-15: Geneva, Switzerland. Meeting of States Parties to the Amended Protocol II of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
X: Paris: European Union Summit.
2001
February
15-16: Bamako, Mali. Seminar on Universalization and Implementation of the Ottawa Convention in Africa organized by France, Canada and the OAU. Contact: Sébastien Carrière, Mine Action Team, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Canada); fax: 1 613 944 2501; email: sebastien.carriere@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
May
7-11 Geneva, Switzerland. Meetings of the Standing Committees established by the SMSP to the Convention. Contact: GICHD. Tel: 41 22 906 1662/63; Fax: 41 22 906 1690; email: gichd@gichd.ch; web site: http://www.gichd.ch
An updated Landmine Calendar can be found on the ICBL website - www.icbl.org/calendar