LM Report 2003

Benin

Key developments since May 2002: On 25 April 2003, a regional mine clearance training center for ECOWAS member states, built with the assistance of France, was opened in Ouidah.

Benin signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 3 December 1997, ratified on 25 September 1998, and became State Party on 1 March 2000. In March 2002, a decree formally recognized the National Commission in charge of the mine issue, which had been created in 2000.^[1] In May 2003, an official told Landmine Monitor that national implementation legislation is being drafted.^[2]

Benin participated in the Fourth Meeting of States Parties in September 2002 and also attended intersessional Standing Committee meetings in February and May 2003. It has not yet submitted its fourth Article 7 Report, due 30 April 2003.^[3] Benin sponsored but was absent from the 22 November 2002 vote on UN General Assembly resolution 57/74, supporting universalization and implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty.

Benin does not have a mine problem on its territory. On 25 April 2003, a regional mine clearance training center for ECOWAS member states, built with the assistance of France, opened in Ouidah.^[4]

[1] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 111.
[2] Interview with Bienvenu Houngbedji, Head of Political International Organizations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration, Geneva, 13 May 2003.
[3] See Article 7 reports submitted 22 January 2002 (for calendar year 2001), 31 December 2000 (for calendar year 2000), and 15 October 1999 (for the period from August-31 December 1999). These are all "nil" reports.
[4] Interview with Bienvenu Houngbedji, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 13 May 2003; Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 111. France contributed €440.675 for 2001-2002 and provided two military advisors for the school.