|
2006-2009 universalization priorities
During a discussion between staff and members of the Management Committee on targets and priorities for universalization work in the run up to the 2009 Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty, it was agreed that a good target to aim for in terms of universalization of the treaty would be 165 States Parties. This was based on an analysis of progress in several States not Parties and an examination of those which might realistically be expected to accede/ratify in the next three years.
The list of countries that can be included into this target is as follows:
ASIA: Nepal (possible openings as a result of the peace process); Mongolia (has set itself a 2008 accession deadline)
MIDDLE EAST: Kuwait (update: Kuwait acceded in July 2007); UAE; Bahrain; Oman; Iraq (update: Iraq acceded on 15 August 2007)
PACIFIC: Palau (has overcome the problem with the compact of association with the USA which was the main obstacle to accession); Marshall Islands (a signatory); Micronesia; Tonga; Tuvalu (NB the Pacific Islands are the object of Australia’s universalization efforts during the year of its presidency up to the 8th Meeting of States Parties in 2007).
Work to secure accession/ratification by these countries will be complemented by efforts to promote advances and interim steps in countries that are still further from the treaty but present special challenges (mine users, large stockpilers, mine affected), critical situations (countries in conflict – internal or international – or in situations of regional/border tension) and/or opportunities for positive movement.
2007 universalization work
ICBL universalization efforts in 2007 will continue and build up on the work done in 2006 and previous years, with a special emphasis on regions with low adherence to the MBT: Asia-Pacific, the Commonwealth of Independent States and especially the Middle East, which will host the 8th Meeting of States Parties at the end of the year.
Efforts will focus on trying to get at least one Middle East country on board the treaty, possibly Kuwait (to complement demarches made by Canada and Jordan with regard to the UAE) as well as promoting positive movement in others in the GCC area (especially Bahrain and Oman), including by visiting them and the GCC headquarters in Ryadh. Still in the Middle East, engaging with Israel is seen not only as important in itself – especially in light of the recent allegations of mine use during the summer’s conflict in Lebanon – and as a pre-condition to obtain credibility and access in dialogue with other governments in the region. There will be follow up to the meeting held in November 2006 on the margins of CCW and an advocacy visit is planned for November with the participation of Jody Williams on the way to Jordan.
In Asia, the peace process in Nepal might offer new openings and Mongolia will also warrant special attention due to the country’s stated commitment to join by 2008, which requires monitoring and encouragement including a letter to the President by Jody Williams. Engagement will continue with countries including India, Vietnam, China and others. The ICBL will continue to follow up on the situation in Pakistan after the announcement of plans to mine the border with Afghanistan.
The CIS does not appear to offer much hope for short term success, but engagement needs to continue to promote positive movement and is likely to focus especially on a twin-track approach to Armenia and Azerbaijan (with a possible advocacy visit in the summer). Allegations of mine use by Azerbaijan in 2006 need to be addressed and clarified.
Efforts will also continue to persuade States not Parties to take interim steps towards accession with special emphasis on moratoria on use and production where appropriate, destruction of stockpiles and promoting a favourable vote in the UNGA resolution on universalization of the MBT. In the light of the recent attempt by the Australian presidency to make the MBT universalization resolution bi-annual instead of annual, efforts must be redoubled to persuade the “presidential triumvirate” (Australia, Jordan and Switzerland) as well as other key State Parties to maintain the resolution on a yearly basis, at least until the 2009 Review Conference, as it has proven to be an excellent tool to persuade States not Parties to gradually move closer to the MBT. This work will be carried out at Intersessionals, through meetings and correspondence, and through ICBL participation in the First Committee in New York in the autumn.
|
