Tuvalu, formerly known
as the Ellice Islands, has not yet acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty. In a recent
letter to the ICBL Coordinator, Tuvalu’s Attorney General noted that the
government has heard and read about the Mine Ban Treaty but:
In the absence of any anti-personnel mines in Tuvalu, we have not taken an
active role and interest in the convention. However we have traditionally been
supportive of any global efforts to prohibit and eliminate any inhumane
practices. Accordingly we would have no difficulty in subscribing to the
objectives of the Mine Ban Treaty and would appreciate your assistance in
furnishing us with all relevant information on the Treaty, in particular with a
copy of the text of the Treaty. The only consideration that may hinder our
immediate accession to the Treaty may be if there are substantial financial
obligations that will be imposed on us as a result of becoming a party to the
convention.[1]
The ICBL Coordinator responded by sending a copy of the Mine Ban Treaty as
well as the ICRC’s “Ratification Packet” and forwarded the
letter to Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs who provided Tuvalu with
information on the financial obligations required under the ban
treaty.[2]
A member of Tuvalu’s parliament promised to look into the ratification
during a regional meeting of parliamentarians in March
2000.[3]
Tuvalu is not a member of the United Nations and therefore has not
participated in any of the relevant UN General Assembly resolutions on
landmines.
Tuvalu has no defense force and it is believed that it has never produced,
transferred, stockpiled or used AP mines. It is not known to provide any
assistance to humanitarian mine action programs.
The islands of Tuvalu are affected by UXO dating from heavy fighting during
World War II.
[1] Letter from Feleti P. Teo,
Attorney-General, Government of Tuvalu to Elizabeth Bernstein, Coordinator of
the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, 31 March
2000. [2] Letter from Elizabeth
Bernstein, ICBL Coordinator to Feleti P. Teo, Attorney-General, Government of
Tuvalu, 11 April 2000. [3] Hon. Telke P.
Lauti promised ICBL Ambassador Tun Channereth that he would find out the status
of ratification. UNICEF, Report on the Pacific visit of Tun Channareth,
International Campaign to Ban Landmines Ambassador, 22-31 March 2000, p.
9.