Finland
Mine Ban Policy
|
Mine Ban Treaty status |
Not a State Party; has stated intention to accede in 2012 |
|
Pro-mine ban UNGA voting record |
Voted in favor of UNGA Resolution 65/48 in December 2010, as in all previous years |
|
Participation in Mine Ban Treaty meetings |
Attended as an observer the Tenth Meeting of States Parties in Geneva in November–December 2010 and the intersessional meetings in Geneva in June 2011 |
Policy
In 2010 and 2011, Republic of Finland made progress towards meeting its stated goal of acceding to the Mine Ban Treaty in 2012. In September 2004, Finland announced that it would join the treaty in 2012, six years later than its previously stated goal, and would destroy its mine stockpiles by 2016.[1]
On 12 August 2011, the President of Finland decided to submit to Parliament a government proposal on Finland’s accession to the Mine Ban Treaty.[2] On 6 September 2011, the Parliament decided to send the document, which contains draft national implementation legislation, to the Foreign Affairs Committee and at the same time, ordered the Defense Committee to issue its opinion on the proposal to the Foreign Affairs Committee.[3] Members of Parliament from the Green Party, the Left Alliance, the National Coalition Party, and the Social Democrats supported Finland’s decision to join the treaty. The True Finns Party, however, called the decision to join “a mistake” and called for it to be reconsidered.[4] The True Finns Party was the only political party to oppose Finland’s accession to the treaty.[5]
On 28 September 2011, the Defense Committee issued its opinion in favor of the proposal, with one dissenting opinion from the True Finns Party.[6] The Defense Committee stated that banning antipersonnel mines was justified on the basis of the significant human rights and humanitarian problems caused by their use and stated that accession to the Mine Ban Treaty would strengthen Finland’s foreign and security policy coherence. The Defense Committee concluded that a total of approximately €300 million (US$398 million) would allow adequate substitutions for antipersonnel mines to be procured and that it would be possible to remove these weapons without weakening Finland’s national defense.[7]
In December 2010, the President and Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy met to discuss Finland’s accession to the treaty and initiated preparation for accession in 2012.[8] In the same month, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs issued a background document on the treaty to be considered by Parliament as Finland’s official instrument of accession and national implementation legislation.[9] This document was the basis of the government proposal sent to Parliament in August 2011.
According to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the process to join the treaty has been slowed down by the crucial role antipersonnel mines have played in Finnish defense doctrine. Planned and controlled use of mines has been more important for Finland than many other European countries, it said.[10]
In November–December 2010, Finland attended the Tenth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty in Geneva as an observer, where it reported that national constitutional measures were underway for accession and stated that an interagency working group was finalizing the government bill to be presented to Parliament in spring 2011. Finland noted its funding contribution to humanitarian mine action of €5 million ($6.6 million) in 2010 and pledged to increase its mine action funding, subject to parliamentary approval, to reach the level of €6 million ($8 million) annually by 2014.[11] Finland also attended as an observer the intersessional Standing Committee meetings of the treaty in Geneva in June 2011, where it reaffirmed its commitment to completing ratification by 2012 and pledged that the government proposal would be submitted to Parliament “promptly after the summer break” to ensure completion of the process in 2012.[12]
Finland is party to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) and its Amended Protocol II on landmines. It is also party to CCW Protocol V on explosive remnants of war.
Use, production, transfer, and stockpiling
In December 2010, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed that Finland does not have any mined areas, has not produced antipersonnel mines since 1981, and has never exported antipersonnel mines.[13] Finland has not acquired any antipersonnel mines since the early 1970s. A European Union Joint Action obliges Finland not to procure more antipersonnel mines.[14]
In December 2010, information from the Ministry for Defense was released revealing for the first time the size and composition of Finland’s stockpile of antipersonnel mines.[15] As of August 2011, Finland stockpiled 1,029,763 antipersonnel mines banned by the treaty, comprising of 801,618 Sakaramiina 65-98 blast mines and 228,145 Putkimiina 43-95 and Putkimiina 65-98 stake mines.[16]
The Defense Force has stated that Finland will complete the destruction of its antipersonnel mines within four years, as stipulated by the treaty. Destruction is scheduled to commence in late 2012.[17] Blast mines are to be destroyed by removing the fuze and metallic parts for recycling, with parts to be used during fire and explosion training. Stake mines are to be destroyed by open detonation.[18]
Procuring alternatives to antipersonnel mines has been a key reason Finland has cited as hindering its accession to the treaty.[19] According to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, a replacement for antipersonnel mines must be procured between 2009 and 2016 in order to maintain a credible defense.[20] The procurement of replacement systems started in 2009.[21] Finland’s 2009 Security and Defense Policy Review stated that “it is possible to replace a part of the landmines’ purpose with special munitions, Claymore mines and ground surveillance sensors as well as modern anti-tank mines.”[22]
In the past, the Finnish Defense Force suggested replacing mines in part with cluster munitions. In June 2008, a Finnish diplomat confirmed that the option of replacement with cluster munitions was still being considered.[23] In March 2010, however, an advisor in the Ministry of Defense stated that the ministry was now looking for different alternatives, and said that Finnish media had oversimplified the issue of replacing antipersonnel mines with cluster munitions. He also noted that the Convention on Cluster Munitions will affect the availability of cluster munitions on the market.[24]
According to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, stockpile destruction is expected to cost approximately €220,000 ($291,742), with the additional cost of procuring a replacement system, estimated at €200 million ($265 million).[25]
Retention
Finland has indicated it will retain 16,500 antipersonnel mines for training and research purposes over the next 20 years.[26] Finland has stated that it considers retention of mines necessary for the development of and training in destruction techniques for mines used in areas near Finland or where Finland is operating in crisis management.[27] The ICBL has expressed serious concern at the retention of such a large number of antipersonnel mines and stated that such a number could be considered a stockpile.
Contamination from explosive remnants of war
Finland has stated that it does not have mined areas. However, according to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, some areas may contain unexploded ordnance (UXO), which could include mines, left from World War II. These areas with a risk of UXO are recorded.[28]
[1] The decision to step back from Finland’s long-stated goal to join the treaty in 2006 was included in the Security and Defense Policy Review 2004, which was approved by parliament on 21 December 2004. The goal of joining the treaty by 2006 was first stated in December 1997, reiterated in December 1999 and December 2000, and confirmed by a government report on foreign and security policy approved by parliament in December 2001.
[2] Ministry for Foreign Affairs, “Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja: Ottawa Mines Convention a great victory for civic engagement,” Press release 193/2011, 12 August 2011, formin.finland.fi.
[3]Parliament of Finland, “Asian käsittelyvaiheet,” (“Procedural Steps”), HE 15/2011 vp, www.eduskunta.fi/valtiopaivaasiat/he+15/2011; and Parliament of Finland, “Hallituksen esitys Eduskunnalle jalkaväkimiinojen käytön, varastoinnin, tuotannon ja siirron kieltämisestä ja niiden hävittämisestä tehdyn yleissopimuksen hyväksymisestä ja laiksi sopimuksen lainsäädännön alaan kuuluvien määräysten voimaansaattamisesta ja sopimuksen soveltamisesta sekä eräiksi siihen liittyviksi laeiksi” (“Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and their Destruction”), HE15/2011, 12 August 2011. The draft legislation proposes penal sanctions for violations of a minimum of four months imprisonment to a maximum of six years.
[4] “Miinoista luopuminen herättää toiva – tai kauhua” (“Abandonment of mines gives us hope – or horror?”) Pax Magazine, Issue 3/2011, www.pax.fi. The True Finns Minister of Parliament, Jussi Niinistö, Chair of the Parliament’s Defense Committee, called the decision “political” and one “which makes neither military nor financial sense.” Calling antipersonnel mines a “crucial part of Finland’s defense capability,” he said that “replacing them is, instead, costly and may not even be entirely possible.” “Finland moves to ban anti-personnel mines,” Helsinki Times, 17 August 2011, www.helsinkitimes.fi.
[5] ICBL meeting with Tarja Pesamaa, Disarmament Counselor, Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN in Geneva, Geneva, 21 June 2011.
[6] The Defense Committee heard from the Minister of Defense and representatives from the Ministry of Defense, Foreign Affairs, branches of the military, the Red Cross, and civil society, including ICBL member the Peace Union of Finland. Parliament of Finland, “The Defence Committee’s opinion 2/2011 vp,” PuVL/2011 vp – HE 15/2011 vp, 28 September 2011, on “Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and their Destruction,” HE15/2011, 12 August 2011, www.eduskunta.fi.
[7] Ibid. Average exchange rate for 2010: €1=US$1.3261. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 6 January 2011.
[8] Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Government Communications Unit, “Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions,” Press release no. 358/2010, 3 December 2010.
[9] Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Department of Politics, “Luonnos hallituksen esitykseksi eduskunnalle jalkaväkimiinoja koskevan Ottawan sopimuksen hyväksymisestä” (“Draft Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Ottawa Convention on Antipersonnel Mines”), 14 December 2010.
[10] Parliament of Finland, “Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and their Destruction,” HE15/2011, 12 August 2011; and Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Department of Politics, “Draft Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Ottawa Convention on Antipersonnel Mines,” 14 December 2010.
[11] Statement of Finland, Tenth Meeting of States Parties, Mine Ban Treaty, Geneva, 29 November 2010. Average exchange rate for 2010: €1=US$1.3261. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 6 January 2011.
[12] Statement of Finland, Standing Committee on General Status and Operation, Mine Ban Treaty, Geneva, 20 June 2011.
[13] Ministry for Foreign Affairs, “Draft Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Ottawa Convention on Antipersonnel Mines,” 14 December 2010; and Parliament of Finalnd, “Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and their Destruction,” HE15/2011, 12 August 2011.
[14] Ministry of Defense, “Puolustusministeriön Jalkaväkimiinaselvitystyöryhmän Väliraportti” (“Interim report of Ministry of Defense working group on infantry landmines”), 19 December 2003, published 10 February 2004, www.defmin.fi.
[15] Ministry for Foreign Affairs, “Draft Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Ottawa Convention on Antipersonnel Mines,” 14 December 2010; and Parliament of Finland, “Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and their Destruction,” HE15/2011, 12 August 2011.
[16] Parliament of Finland, “Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and their Destruction,” HE15/2011, 12 August 2011; and Ministry for Foreign Affairs, “Draft Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Ottawa Convention on Antipersonnel Mines,” 14 December 2010.
[17] Parliament of Finalnd, “Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and their Destruction,” HE15/2011, 12 August 2011.
[18] Ibid.
[19] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 821. The Security and Defense Policy Review 2004 stated that the Finnish Defense Force would be provided with €200 million in extra funding over eight years for replacements for mines, and the army would have to allocate an additional €100 million. The replacement process was to start in 2009 and continue until 2016. The review proposed to replace antipersonnel mines with close combat weapons and sensors.
[20] Parliament of Finland, “Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and their Destruction,” HE15/2011, 12 August 2011.
[21] Ibid.
[22] Prime Minister’s Office, “Finnish Security and Defence Policy 2009, Government Report,” Publication 13/2009, 5 February 2009, www.vnk.fi.
[23] Interview with Amb. Kari Kahiluoto, Permanent Mission of Finland, Geneva, 4 June 2008.
[24] Telephone interview with Pentti Olin, Advisor, Ministry of Defense, 22 March 2010.
[25] Parliament of Finland, “Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and their Destruction,” HE15/2011, 12 August 2011. Average exchange rate for 2010: €1=US$1.3261. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 6 January 2011.
[26] Ibid. The numbers retained are as follows: 9,000 Sakaramiina 65-98; 3,000 Putkimiina 43-95; and 4,500 Putkimiina 68-98.
[27] Parliament of Finland, “Government Bill to Parliament on the approval of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and their Destruction,” HE15/2011, 12 August 2011.
[28] Ibid.
Cluster Munition Ban Policy
The Republic of Finland has not acceded to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
In a March 2011 letter to the Monitor, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that, “Finland regards the Convention on Cluster Munitions [as] important from the humanitarian standpoint” and “supports the goals of the Convention as well as the efforts towards its universalisation.”[1] According to the letter, Finland is monitoring implementation of the convention and undertaking a study of “the Defence Force’s capabilities and the international development work on cluster munitions, procurement options and costs.”[2] The letter also cited Finland’s support for the negotiation of a protocol on cluster munitions in the framework of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW).[3]
This is the same position as articulated in 2010 and laid out in a 2009 report by the government on “Finnish Security and Defense Policy.”[4] The 2009 report stated that while Finland is not a party, the convention nonetheless “significantly impacts Finland’s defence and its resource requirements.”[5] The report declares, “Once a study relating to the Defence Forces’ capabilities has been completed and the international development work on cluster munitions, procurement options and costs have been analysed, the Oslo Convention will be reassessed. The Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy will review the developments yearly.”[6]
In December 2010, the Office of the Prime Minister announced that implementation of the convention had been discussed during a 3 December 2010 meeting of the President of the Finland and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy, but did not provide any further details.[7]
Finland participated throughout the Oslo Process that created the Convention, but consistently expressed reservations about the process and the convention text and was not supportive of a broad categorical ban on cluster munitions.[8] Finland joined the consensus adoption of the convention at the end of the negotiations in May 2008, but five months later announced that it would not sign the convention in Oslo in December 2008.[9] At the time, Minister of Defense Jyri Häkämies stated that, “cluster munitions play an important role in the credibility [and] autonomy…of Finnish defense.” The Finnish military claimed that due to costs and other factors it would not be possible to replace Finland’s stockpile of cluster munitions with alternative weapons within five to 10 years.[10] Finland has also cited security concerns over its border with Russia for its refusal to sign the convention.[11]
Finland is the only European Union country not to have signed, ratified, or acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty. Finland has, however, stated its intention to join the treaty in 2012 and to destroy its stockpiles of antipersonnel mines by 2016.[12]
Finland has continued to participate in the work of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2010 and the first half of 2011. It attended the First Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane, Lao PDR in November 2010 as an observer and also participated in the convention’s intersessional meetings in June 2011. Finland did not make any statements at these meetings.
The Finnish Campaign to Ban Landmines has campaigned in support of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.[13]
Convention on Conventional Weapons
Finland is party to CCW and its Protocol V on explosive remnants of war. Finland participated in CCW meetings on cluster munitions in 2010 and the first half of 2011, but did not make any statement on its views on the chair’s draft text under consideration. In April 2011, Finland informed the Monitor that it supports continued CCW discussions on cluster munitions.[14]
Use, production, transfer, and stockpiling
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Finland does not produce cluster munitions nor has is never [sic] used them.”[15]
In early 2005, Patria, a Finnish company, made arrangements to co-produce a 120mm cluster munition mortar projectile called MAT-120, which was developed and produced by the Spanish company Instalaza SA. The deal was cancelled in 2009 by Patria and the Finnish Defense Forces after Spain enacted a national prohibition on cluster munitions and signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2008. During the development of the program, Patria imported to Finland 305 “live” MAT-120 mortar projectiles from Spain in 2005–2007 and also acquired 230 inert MAT-120 projectiles. As of July 2011, a total of 136 “live” MAT-120 projectiles remained in the custody of the Finnish Defense Forces; none of the MAT-120 projectiles imported to Finland were exported.[16]
In 2010, a Ministry of Defense official stated that information on the size and composition of Finland’s stockpile of cluster munitions was confidential.[17] Finland has acknowledged possessing one type of cluster munition: the DM-662 155mm artillery projectile, which contains 49 dual purpose improved conventional munition (DPICM) submunitions with back-up self-destruct fuzes.[18]
In 2006, the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands announced the transfer of 18 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers to Finland.[19] It was reported that 400 M26 rockets (each containing 644 M77 DPICM submunitions) were to be included in the sale for qualification testing and conversion into training rockets.[20]
[1] Letter from Markku Virri, Arms Control Unit, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, HEL7913-3, 10 March 2011.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Email from Pia Nordberg, First Secretary, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, 7 May 2010; email from Pentti Olin, Adviser, Ministry of Defense, 27 April 2010; and “Finnish Security and Defence Policy 2009, Government Report,” Prime Minister’s Office Publications 13/2009, 5 February 2009, p. 76.
[5] “Finnish Security and Defence Policy 2009, Government Report,” Prime Minister’s Office Publications 13/2009, 5 February 2009, p. 64.
[6] “Finnish Security and Defence Policy 2009, Government Report,” Prime Minister’s Office Publications 13/2009, 5 February 2009, p. 76, www.vnk.fi, p. 76. This was also stated in a letter from Mari Männistö, Attaché, Unit for Arms Control, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 26 February 2009. Similarly, a November 2008 media report said Finland will review its position on the convention “once studies on the capacity of the Finnish Armed Forces have been carried out, as well as studies on the existence, availability and cost of alternative systems.” “Disarmament: Finland refuses to sign cluster bomb ban,” Europolitics, 4 November 2008.
[7] Prime Minister’s Office press release, “Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions,” 3 December 2010, www.vnk.fi.
[8] For details on Finland’s cluster munition policy and practice through early 2009, see Human Rights Watch and Landmine Action, Banning Cluster Munitions: Government Policy and Practice (Ottawa: Mines Action Canada, May 2009), pp. 202–204.
[9] “Disarmament: Finland Refuses to Sign Cluster Bomb Ban,” Europolitics, 4 November 2008. In a February 2009 letter to Human Rights Watch, Finland said the decision was made by the President and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy. Letter from Mari Männistö, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 26 February 2009.
[10] “Disarmament: Finland refuses to sign cluster bomb ban,” Europolitics, 4 November 2008; and “Finland opts out of cluster munitions ban treaty,” BBC Monitoring European, 3 November 2008.
[11] “Why is Finland reluctant to ban cluster bombs?” Mainichi Daily News, 7 December 2008.
[12] See ICBL-CMC, “Country Profile: Finland: Mine Ban Policy,” www.the-monitor.org, 2011.
[13] For example, campaigners organized events in three different parts of Helsinki, including in front of the Parliament, to celebrate the 1 August 2010 entry into force of the convention and encourage Finland’s accession. CMC, “Entry into Force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions Report 1 August 2010,” November 2010.
[14] Email from Elina Dakash, Attaché, Unit for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 21 April 2011.
[15] Letter from Mari Männistö, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 26 February 2009.
[16] The company also notes, “Patria does not develop, produce or sell cluster ammunition products.” Patria Corporation Press release, “Patria’s mortar systems have not been used to fire cluster ammunition in Libya,” 7 July 2011, www.patria.fi.
[17] Email from Pentti Olin, Ministry of Defense, Adviser, 27 April 2010.
[18] Email from Tiina Raijas, Ministry of Defense, 8 June 2005.
[19] Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands Press release, “Finland Receives Two MLRS Batteries,” 13 January 2006. Translated by Defense-aerospace.com.
[20] Joris Janssen, “Dutch Plan to Update Cluster Weapons,” Jane’s Defence Weekly, 19 October 2005.
Mine Action
Contamination and Impact
Mines
In 1998, the Defense Staff stated in a press release that there were no peacetime minefields in the country.[1] In 2011, the Ministry of Defense informed the Monitor that there were no minefields along Finland’s eastern border, but acknowledged that both antipersonnel and antivehicle mines remained in the country from World War II.[2]
If Finland adheres to the Mine Ban Treaty in 2012 as planned (see Mine Ban Policy section of the Finland country profile), it will be required to report formally on mined areas containing antipersonnel mines in accordance with Article 7 on transparency measures.
Cluster munition remnants and other explosive remnants of war
There are no reports of contamination from cluster munition remnants. According to the Ministry of Defense, as far as they know no cluster munitions were used on Finnish soil.[3] However, other explosive remnants of war (ERW) remain from World War II as a result of action by German, Soviet, and Finnish military forces. The Ministry of Defense reported that more than 50,000 ERW were cleared in 2009: mainly artillery shells and grenades; and some landmines and sea mines, as well as air-dropped bombs.[4]
Most of the contamination is found on the former eastern battlefields and especially in the north of the country. Known battlefields and other dangerous areas are recorded in a database maintained by the Defense Forces. When former military areas are handed over for civilian use they are first cleared by the Defense Forces, if needed.[5]
No civilian casualties were reported in 2011 through August. In June 2010, however, an elderly man was reportedly injured when he found a World War II grenade and it exploded while he was tampering with it.[6]
Mine Action Program
There is no civilian mine action program in Finland. All clearance is conducted by the military, with occasional help from the police. No private companies are used for clearance.[7]
[1] Statement of Brig. Gen. Kari Rimpi, Defense Staff, Press release, 2 December 1998.
[2] Email from Pentti Olin, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Defense, Helsinki, 14 February 2011.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] “Sodan aikainen ammus räjähti käsiin” (“Wartime ammunition exploded in the hands [of the finder]”), Iltalehti (Finnish daily newspaper), 25 June 2010, www.iltalehti.fi.
[7] Email from Pentti Olin, Ministry of Defense, Helsinki, 14 February 2011.
Support for Mine Action
In 2010 Finland contributed €5,015,000 (US$6,650,392) in mine action funding.[1] As in 2009, the largest contribution went to Afghanistan (€1,590,000/$2,108,499), with two additional countries (Cambodia and Angola) receiving over $1 million each.
In addition to global support, Finland provided support to seven states and areas through five organizations and one trust fund—the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action (UNVTF).[2]
Contributions by recipient: 2010
|
Recipient |
Sector |
Amount |
Amount |
|
Afghanistan |
Clearance |
1,590,000 |
2,108,499 |
|
Cambodia |
Clearance; victim assistance |
1,405,500 |
1,863,834 |
|
Angola |
Clearance |
804,500 |
1,066,847 |
|
UNVTF |
Various |
430,000 |
570,223 |
|
Chad |
Victim assistance |
200,000 |
265,220 |
|
Ethiopia |
Clearance |
200,000 |
265,220 |
|
Iraq |
Victim assistance |
200,000 |
265,220 |
|
GICHD |
Various |
100,000 |
132,610 |
|
Somaliland |
Clearance |
70,000 |
92,827 |
|
Global |
Various |
15,000 |
19,892 |
|
Total |
|
5,015,000 |
6,650,392 |
Finland allocated the majority (80%) of its mine action support in 2010 for clearance activities.
Contributions by thematic sector: 2010
|
Sector |
Amount |
Amount |
% of total contribution |
|
|
Clearance |
4,030,000 |
5,344,183 |
80.36 |
|
|
Global |
545,000 |
722,725 |
10.87 |
|
|
Victim assistance |
440,000 |
583,484 |
8.77 |
|
|
Total |
5,015,000 |
6,650,392 |
100 |
|
Of the total funds provided, the majority (93%) were allocated for activities where no differentiation was made between landmine and cluster munition related activities, while 7% went towards activities related to mines and ERW not including cluster munitions.
Mine and cluster munition related contributions: 2010
|
Sector |
Amount |
Amount |
% of total contribution |
|
Clearance |
3,760,000 |
4,986,136 |
74.98 |
|
Various |
445,000 |
590,115 |
8.87 |
|
Victim assistance |
440,000 |
583,484 |
8.77 |
|
Undifferentiated subtotal |
4,645,000 |
6,159,735 |
92.62 |
|
Mine clearance |
270,000 |
358,047 |
5.39 |
|
Various (mines) |
100,000 |
132,610 |
1.99 |
|
Mine/ERW subtotal |
370,000 |
490,657 |
7.38 |
|
Total |
5,015,000 |
6,650,392 |
100 |
Finland’s contribution in 2010 decreased by 5% from 2009. From 2006–2010 Finland’s contribution for mine action totaled €23.70 million ($32.31 million), with an annual contribution averaging €4,739,594 ($6,461,074).
Summary of contributions: 2006–2010[3]
|
Year |
Amount |
Amount |
% change from previous year ($) |
|
2010 |
5,015,000 |
6,650,390 |
-5 |
|
2009 |
5,017,474 |
6,991,850 |
-5 |
|
2008 |
4,982,526 |
7,337,270 |
+47 |
|
2007 |
3,636,279 |
4,985,700 |
-21 |
|
2006 |
5,046,691 |
6,340,160 |
+7 |
|
Total |
23,697,970 |
32,305,370 |
N/A |
N/A = not applicable
[1] Letter from Markku Virri, Arms Control Unit, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Finland, 10 March 2011.
[2] Over half of Finland’s contribution to Afghanistan (€890,000/$1,180,229) was made via the UNVTF, in addition to the €430,000 ($570,223) global contribution Finland made to the UNVTF.
[3] See previous editions of Landmine Monitor; and ICBL-CMC, “Country Profile: Finland: Support for Mine Action,” www.the-monitor.org, 19 June 2010. The figure for 2009 has been revised from €4,985,000 ($6,946,600) to include global support for mine action provided in 2009, which was not reported in the 2010 Country Profile. Amounts in US$ have been rounded to the nearest ten. Average exchange rate for 2010: €1=US$1.3261; 2009: €1=US$ 1.3935; 2008: €1=US$1.4726; 2007: €1=US$1.3711. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 6 January 2011. Average exchange rate for 2006: €1=US$1.2563. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 2 January 2009.