The global landmine crisis is man-made and the effects have reached almost
epidemic proportions. The AP landmines represent a real and constant threat to
people - to the safety and well being of the individual in many societies. The
AP landmines deny people a means of livelihood. They deny people their human
rights, not least the freedom of movement. In recent conflict situations AP
landmines have been planted not only to kill and maim, but to drive minority
groups or persons perceived to be enemies away from their homes and countries or
particular areas. This tendency is part of the dramatic growth in attacks on
civilian populations during armed conflicts. It represents a blatant breach of
international humanitarian law and human rights.
The threat of AP landmines is especially serious for the most vulnerable
members of society. The AP landmines have an effect, which extends beyond the
wounds inflicted on the individual. They further impoverish and marginalise the
poor.
--They traumatise the coping mechanisms of individuals and
families.
--They seriously damage and completely paralyse whole communities.
--They block the delivery of humanitarian assistance and disrupt long-term
development
--In short, they inflict wounds on society, as well as individuals. They are
a threat to human security.
Mine action
Mine action must be people-centred and an integrated part of processes of
reconciliation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, economic and social development
of war-torn societies.
Mine action is about giving people to live in an environment free from the
physical, psychological and socio-economic threats posed by AP landmines, to
live in freedom from fear.
The measure of success of mine action cannot be restricted to the number of
mines that have been removed and destroyed. There is a need for better
indicators to assess the long-term impact of mine action. These should include
information on; increased access to basic social services, afflicted areas
transformed into productive land, numbers of refugees and displaced persons
repatriated in safety and dignity and mine victims being reintegrated as
productive members of society.
The Mine Ban Convention
The Mine Ban Convention has established an international norm supported by a
vast majority of members of the United Nations. To this date, 68 states have
ratified and 135 have signed the Mine Ban Convention – a record in the
history of multilateral arms related agreements. Even for states not parties to
the convention, the political price of not adhering to this norm has risen
considerably. However, this encouraging development must not lead to
complacency on our part.
The forming of a global coalition between many different players was one of
the main reasons for the unprecedented progress leading to the Mine Ban
Convention. The process was successful because it brought together a broad
coalition of countries and organisations. It included mine-affected countries,
humanitarian organisations, and non-governmental organisations active in the
field of human rights, of refugee protection and assistance, of humanitarian
programmes and individual victims.
Another important element behind the success of the Ottawa process was the
comprehensive way the landmine issue was addressed. The objective was not a
partial, but a truly total ban on AP landmines – with no exceptions or
loopholes. Not only were the use, production and stockpiling of AP landmines
addressed, but also the destruction and removal of those AP landmines, and
equally important the economic and social rehabilitation of landmine
victims.
The shared concern and cooperation between the different players gave the
process the necessary political strength and credibility. Each player brought
his particular expertise to the table. Working together, they managed to create
a synergistic effect. Only states could sign a legally binding convention.
However, organisations and networks like the ICRC and the ICBL had the tools,
knowledge and the will to mobilise the public opinion.
The first meeting of States Parties is an opportunity for States Parties,
signatory states, other interested states, humanitarian agencies and
organisations to discuss forward-looking initiatives and measures to effectively
implement the objectives of the Convention and thereby contribute to the new
stage in the Mine Ban process: from campaigning to implementation.
Convening the first meeting in Mozambique, a mine-affected country, is highly
appropriate and recognises Africa’s crucial role in bringing about a total
ban on anti-personnel landmines
Activities supported by Norway
Norway has been supporting mine action activities around the world for more
than ten years – both through the UN system, international organisations
such as ICRC and NGO`s like Norwegian People’s Aid, Handicap International
and others. At the signing conference in Ottawa in December 1997, Norway
committed USD 120 million to mine action over a five-year period.
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