LM Report 2005

Tunisia

Key developments since May 2004: In November 2004, Tunisia started to clear the Ras Jedir minefield, representing 70 percent of known mined areas on its territory; as of April 2005, the army had already cleared 3,305 mines. In addition, the Army destroyed 477 UXO from World War II-era battlefields between 1 December 2004 and 15 June 2005.

Mine Ban Policy

The Republic of Tunisia signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 3 December 1997, ratified on 9 July 1999, and it entered into force on 1 January 2000. Tunisia believes that existing domestic laws are sufficient to cover any violations of the Mine Ban Treaty, and thus it has not enacted new legal measures to implement the treaty.^{[1 ]} In June 2003, Tunisia established an interministerial committee to coordinate implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty.^[2]

Tunisia submitted its sixth Article 7 transparency report on 29 April 2005, covering the period from 20 April 2004 to 19 April 2005.^[3]

Tunisia did not attend the First Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty in Nairobi in November-December 2004 due to travel problems.^{[4 ]} It participated in the treaty’s intersessional meetings in Geneva in June 2005, where it made a presentation to the Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies.

Tunisia has not engaged in the extensive discussions that States Parties have had on matters of interpretation and implementation related to Articles 1, 2 and 3. Thus, it has not made known its views on the issues of joint military operations with non-States Parties, foreign stockpiling and transit of antipersonnel mines, antivehicle mines with sensitive fuzes or antihandling devices, and the permissible number of mines retained for training.

Tunisia is party to the Convention on Conventional Weapons and its 1980 Protocol II on landmines, but has not ratified Amended Protocol II.

Production, Transfer, Use, Stockpiling and Destruction

Tunisia has stated that it has never produced or exported antipersonnel mines.^{[5 ]} It imported antipersonnel mines from France, the United States and the former Yugoslavia.^{[6 ]} Tunisia reports last using antipersonnel mines in February 1980.^{[7 ]} Tunisia laid a limited number of defensive minefields along its eastern border with Libya during tension between the two countries in the late 1970s.^[8]

In its various Article 7 reports, Tunisia reported destroying a total of 18,259 stockpiled antipersonnel mines between 30 June 1999 and 4 September 2003. Tunisia usually cites a figure of 17,575 antipersonnel mines destroyed,^{[9 ]}which does not count 1,000 mines destroyed before entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty for Tunisia.^{[10 ]} It completed destruction about four months in advance of its treaty-mandated deadline.

Tunisia has retained 5,000 antipersonnel mines, including 4,000 PMA-3 mines and 1,000 PROM-1 mines for purposes permitted by Article 3.^{[11 ]} It has not reported the consumption of any retained mines since its initial transparency declaration in July 2000. Tunisia has not yet reported in any detail on the intended purposes and actual uses of its retained mines—a step agreed to by States Parties in the Nairobi Action Plan that emerged from the First Review Conference. At the June 2005 intersessional meetings, Tunisia said the mines were used for training in mine clearance to support the national demining operation that began in November 2004.^{[12 ]}

Landmine and UXO Problem

Although Tunisia is mine-affected, Tunisian officials and the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) agree that the mines have a relatively low humanitarian impact.^{[13 ]} A December 2002 assessment mission by the Mines Advisory Group reported that the minefields “are all clearly mapped, fenced and marked, and pose very little danger to the population — indeed many are located in very sparsely populated areas. In addition, there is limited Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) contamination throughout the country dating from World War II. As these are scattered throughout the country, they account for the vast majority of the limited number of incidents due to mines and UXO on Tunisian territory. It should be stressed though that the extent of problem remains relatively minor compared to countries around the globe with serious landmine and UXO contamination.”^{[14 ]} However, although the minefields are in the less-populated border zones where there are is no agriculture and there are no urban centers, border activity is important, especially in the Ras Jedir region through which a main road links Tunisia to Libya.^{[15 ]}

In its Article 7 reports, Tunisia has disclosed information about the nine minefields laid by its army in 1976 and 1980. It reports that, as well as minefields in four areas along the border with Libya (at Ras Jedir, M’guisem, Bir Zar and M’chiguig), there is a fifth mined area where the borders of Tunisia, Algeria and Libya meet (at Borj El-Khadhra).^{[16 ]} These minefields are reported to have extended over an area of 500,300 square meters.^{[17 ]} They initially included 5,750 antipersonnel mines and 1,958 antivehicle mines, of which 3,042 antipersonnel and 1,360 antivehicle mines remained in April 2005.^[18]

Following its assessment mission in December 2002, the Mines Advisory Group recommended that clearance be undertaken by mechanical methods, which would require donor support for equipment and training of the Tunisian Armed Forces.^{[19 ]} A further assessment mission, undertaken by UNMAS in January 2003, concluded that clearing the nine minefields would take approximately six months and cost around US$1 million.^{[20 ]}

UXO contamination remains in World War II-era battlefields.^{[21 ]} Areas suspected of containing UXO and a few isolated mines are in the south (in Mareth, Matmata and Elhamma regions), the center (Kasserine and Faiedh regions), and the north (Cap-Bon and some areas in the northwest).^{[22 ]} Tunisia reported that these UXO and mines have been responsible for all incidents reported over the last “few” years.^[23]

Mine Action

There is no national body with responsibility for planning, coordinating and implementing mine action in Tunisia. In June 2003, Tunisia established an interministerial committee to coordinate its implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty; however, the committee does not oversee mine action.^{[24 ]} The Army is the only body authorized to take any concrete actions related to landmines or UXO.^[25]

Tunisia reported in June 2005 that it has prioritized clearance of the Ras Jedir minefield, located on both sides of the road linking Tunisia and Libya. Clearance of this 350,000-square-meter minefield (70 percent of known mined areas) will enable a highway to be built linking Tunis and Tripoli, and in the future, to channel gas pipes through Ras Jedir. As a result, in 2004 Tunisia set up a demining unit within the Army Engineering Corps, which started clearance in the area in November 2004.^{[26 ]} According to the 2003 UNMAS assessment mission, although the Army’s operational procedures meet international mine action standards, the Engineering Corps had never engaged in mine clearance, and had to make technical and procedural adjustments before engaging in humanitarian demining.^{[27 ]}

In its 2003 assessment, UNMAS recommended that Tunisia install the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA).^{[28 ]} As of September 2005, Tunisia had not installed IMSMA, although the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining had reportedly indicated its readiness to support its installation.^{[29 ]}

Mine and UXO Clearance

Under Article 5 of the Mine Ban Treaty, Tunisia must destroy all antipersonnel mines in mined areas under its jurisdiction or control as soon as possible, but not later than 31 December 2010.

In its April 2005 Article 7 report, Tunisia stated that the Army cleared and destroyed 3,306 mines from Ras Jedir area, including 2,708 antipersonnel mines (2,428 PMA-1A mines and 280 M2A4 mines), and 598 antivehicle mines (591 TMA-1A mines and 7 M6A2 mines).^{[30 ]} In June 2005, Tunisia declared that 75 percent of the Ras Jedir minefield had been cleared.^{[31 ]}

In addition, the Tunisian Army destroyed 349 UXO from WWII-era battlefields during 218 clearance operations in 2004. On 1 January through 15 June 2005, 52 operations were conducted during which 83 UXO were destroyed.^[32]

No accidents during demining and EOD operations were reported to Landmine Monitor in 2004 through June 2005.^{[33 ]}

Mine Risk Education

Tunisia stated in 2005 that “all measures to alert and protect the population from the threat of landmines and UXO have been taken.”^{[34 ]} However, since the UNMAS recommendation in 2003 to implement a nationwide risk education campaign to raise awareness of the risks from mines and UXO in WWII-era battlefields, no activities have been reported.^[35]

Landmine Casualties and Survivor Assistance

In 2004 and up to June 2005, no new landmine casualties were reported in Tunisia; however, it is possible that unreported incidents occurred in remote areas. The interministerial committee is responsible for the collection of mine casualty data, together with hospitals.^{[36 ]}

The total number of mine casualties in Tunisia is not known. The last reported mine incident occurred in January 2002. Since 1991, there have been only seven recorded mine casualties.^[37]

On 4 April 2004, a Tunisian man was killed in a minefield while illegally attempting to cross the border between Greece and Turkey. ^{[38 ]}

Tunisia has a reasonably well-developed public healthcare system, including emergency care and orthopedic services available from hospitals and regional dispensaries; healthcare practitioners participate in seminars and training courses. The Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity and Tunisians Abroad is responsible for services for people with disabilities.^{[39 ]}

In principle, people with disabilities have free access to health services. In larger coastal cities, rehabilitation units and a large network of organizations specialized in reintegration of people with disabilities can be found. However, the rehabilitation units often lack qualified staff. Inland there are few services accessible for the dispersed population, and a large number of people with disabilities do not benefit from services.^[40]

Facilities assisting persons with disabilities include the Center for Professional Rehabilitation (Centre de Réadaption Professionnelle des Handicapés Moteurs et des Accidentés de la Vie), the Institute for the Promotion of the Disabled (Institut de Promotion des Handicapés), the Medical and Education Center for Physically Disabled in Nabeul (Complexe Sanitaire et Educatif des Handicapés Moteurs), and the Center for Disabled People without Assistance (Centre des handicapés sans soutien) in Sidi Thabet.^[41]

Since 2004, Handicap International has supported accessibility projects for people with disabilities, providing institutional support to disability organizations, and arranging courses for physiotherapists and reintegration specialists.^[42]

Tunisia has legislation protecting the rights of persons with disabilities to medical care, vocational training, rehabilitation, counseling, employment and financial security.^{[43 ]} Mine survivors and other people with disabilities are eligible for pensions.^{[44 ]} The Ministry of Social Affairs also provides mobility devices free of charge for those who are part of the social security system. Disabled people have access to free public transport and other facilities. In its national plan, the government aims to create vocational training, promote full integration, and support disability organizations. In 2004, 750 disabled people benefited from income generation projects, supported by the government.^[45]

^{[1 ]}Tunisia cites Laws 69-33, 96-63, and 70-60 as sufficient for the domestic implementation of the Convention. Article 7 Report, Form A, 29 April 2005.

^[2] See Landmine Monitor Report 2004, p. 820, for details on the composition and duties of the committee.

^[3] Previous reports were submitted on 5 May 2004, 8 September 2003, 7 May 2003, 4 October 2002 and 9 July 2000. Tunisia did not submit the required annual update report in 2001.

^{[4 ]}Interview with Mona Mechareq, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Col. Salem Redifi, Ministry of Defense, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^{[5 ]}Statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^{[6 ]}Article 7 Report, Form B, 9 July 2000.

^{[7 ]}Article 7 Report, Form C, 29 April 2005.

^[8] Executive Summary, “Tunisia: Assessment Report,” Mines Advisory Group, January 2003, by email from Tim Carstairs, Policy Director, MAG, 26 September 2005.

^{[9 ]}See, for example, statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^{[10 ]}The 18,259 figure is derived from the totals reported as destroyed in each successive Article 7 report. However, in its initial July 2000 Article 7 report, Tunisia reported destroying 1,000 antipersonnel mines in 1999, prior to entry into force of the treaty, leaving a stockpile of 17,575 antipersonnel mines to be destroyed. The reason for the discrepancy of 18,259 destroyed and 18,575 in initial inventory is not known. The 17,575 included: 5,010 undetectable Mle 51 mines (manufactured by France), 6,331 M2 bounding mines (USA), 684 PMA-1 and 3,550 PMA-3 pressure mines (Yugoslavia), and 2,000 PROM-1 bounding fragmentation mines (Yugoslavia). In addition, Tunisia held 5,000 mines for training purposes: 4,000 PMA-3 and 1,000 PROM-1 mines. Article 7 Report, Forms B, D and G, 9 July 2000.

^{[11 ]}Article 7 Report, Form D, 29 April 2005.

^{[12 ]}Statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^{[13 ]}Statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005; UNMAS, “UN Assessment Mission to Tunisia,” March 2003, p. 8.

^{[14 ]}Executive Summary, “Tunisia: Assessment Report,” Mines Advisory Group (MAG), January 2003, by email from Tim Carstairs, MAG, 26 September 2005. The MAG assessment was funded by Foreign Affairs Canada.

^{[15 ]}Statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005; see also Landmine Monitor Report 2004, p. 821.

^{[16 ]}Article 7 Reports, Form C, 4 October 2002, 7 May 2003, 8 September 2003, 5 May 2004 and 29 April 2005.

^{[17 ]}Statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^[18] Article 7 Report, Forms C and G, 29 April 2005.

^{[19 ]}“Tunisia: Assessment Report,” MAG, January 2003.

^{[20 ]}UNMAS, “UN Assessment Mission to Tunisia,” March 2003, p. 17.

^{[21 ]}Statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^{[22 ]}Article 7 Report, Form C, 29 April 2005.

^[23] Statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^{[24 ]}See Landmine Monitor Report 2004, p. 820.

^[25] Statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^{[26 ]}Statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^{[27 ]}UNMAS, “UN Assessment Mission to Tunisia,” March 2003, p. 10.

^{[28 ]}UNMAS, “UN Assessment Mission to Tunisia,” March 2003, p. 10.

^{[29 ]}Interview with Mohammad Younus, Program Advisor, Mine Action Team, UNDP, Geneva, 22 September 2005.

^{[30 ]}Article 7 Report, Form G, 29 April 2005; statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^{[31 ]}Statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^[32] Statement by Col. Salem Redifi, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^{[33 ]}Interview with Col. Salem Redifi, Geneva, 14 June 2005.

^{[34 ]}Article 7 Report, Form I, 29 April 2005.

^[35] UNMAS, “UN Assessment Mission to Tunisia,” March 2003, p. 11.

^{[36 ]}Landmine Monitor (HI) interview with Col. Salem Redifi, Geneva, 17 June 2005.

^[37] For more information, see Landmine Monitor Report 2004, pp. 822-823.

^{[38 ]}“Illegal immigrants killed in Greece-Turkey border minefield,” Associated Press (Kastanies), 4 April 2005; “Two killed in Evros minefield,” eKathimerini, (Athens), 5 April 2005; see also “List of 6336 documented refugee deaths through Fortress Europe,” www.irr.org.uk/pdf/UNITED_list.pdf, accessed 18 July 2005.

^{[39 ]}Landmine Monitor (HI) interview with Col. Salem Redifi, Geneva, 17 June 2005.

^[40] Email to Landmine Monitor (HI) from Nicolas Bordet, Regional Director, HI, Rabat, Morocco, 30 September 2005.

^[41] “Ministère des Affaires Sociales, de la Solidarité et des Tunisiens à l’Etranger,” Government of Tunisia website, www.ministeres.tn/html/indexinstit.html, accessed 24 August 2005.

^[42] Handicap International, “Fiche de Synthèse de Programme 2004,” www.handicap-international.org/esperanza/site/onglet1/chapitre3/fiches/afrique/tunisie.pdf.

^{[43 ]}“The rights of the disabled in Tunisia,” (Les droits des handicapés en Tunisie),
www.tunisieinfo.com/documents/handicapes/introduction.html, accessed 24 August 2005.

^{[44 ]}Landmine Monitor (HI) interview with Col. Salem Redifi, Geneva, 17 June 2005.

^[45] “Ministère des Affaires Sociales, de la Solidarité et des Tunisiens à l’Etranger,” Government of Tunisia website, www.ministeres.tn/html/indexinstit.html, accessed 24 August 2005.