Table of Contents

Country Reports

LM Report 2004

Serbia And Montenegro (Formerly Federal Republic Of Yugoslavia)

Key developments since May 2003: Serbia and Montenegro acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty on 18 September 2003 and became a State Party on 1 March 2004. Serbia and Montenegro reported that the treaty became an integral part of domestic legislation upon accession. Changes to the penal code have been made in Montenegro and are underway in Serbia. In 2003, a total of 1,460,000 square meters of land was cleared of mines and UXO, according to the Mine Action Center. Clearance operations were completed on the Prevlaka peninsula in 2003. Responsibility for the Mine Action Center was passed to the Serbian government’s General Secretariat in September 2003. The International Trust Fund in Slovenia allocated $2,375,200 for mine action in Serbia and Montenegro (excluding Kosovo) in 2003. Negotiations are underway with NATO to carry out stockpile destruction. Incidents involving antipersonnel mines continued to be reported in southern Serbia during 2003, but it is unclear if these incidents represent new use of mines by irregular anti-Serbian forces.

Key developments since 1999: Serbia and Montenegro became a State Party to the Mine Ban Treaty on 1 March 2004. In the conflict in Kosovo in 1999, Yugoslav forces reportedly laid at least 620 minefields and an estimated 50,000 mines; the KLA also used mines. Following the change of regime, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia announced its intention to accede to the Mine Ban Treaty, and on 20 June 2003, the Parliament passed legislation to accede. The delay was due in part to the constitutional restructuring of the country from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia into the new state of Serbia and Montenegro. The Mine Action Center for Serbia and Montenegro, formed in March 2002, has estimated that 39 million square meters of Serbia and Montenegro may be contaminated by mines, cluster submunitions and UXO. In January 2003, the Ministry of Defense disclosed that Serbia and Montenegro holds a stockpile of just over 1.3 million antipersonnel mines; Yugoslav military authorities also claimed that no antipersonnel mines have been produced, imported or exported since 1992. Since 2000, there have been mine incidents each year in southern Serbia, but it has been unclear if these represent new use by irregular anti-Serb forces.

Mine Ban Policy

Serbia and Montenegro deposited its instrument of accession with the UN on 18 September 2003 and became a State Party on 1 March 2004.

During the Ottawa Process which led to the Mine Ban Treaty, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) attended preparatory meetings as an observer, but stated in 1998 that it was not prepared to join. The use of mines played an important role in Yugoslav military doctrine. The country’s attitude to humanitarian and disarmament treaties was also influenced by international criticism of Serb repression in the province of Kosovo, which led to conflict with NATO forces in 1999, during which Yugoslav forces used mines extensively.^[1] The climate of opinion became more favorable with a new government elected in October 2000, followed by widespread constitutional changes. In January 2000, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a more positive statement on the mine issue.^[2] In April 2001, the decision to join the treaty was announced. Legislation was delayed by constitutional restructuring of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as the new state of Serbia and Montenegro. On 20 June 2003, accession legislation was passed by Parliament.^[3]

In February 2004, Serbia and Montenegro stated, “Upon completion of the ratification procedure, the Convention became an integral part of our domestic legislation.” But while “the State union of Serbia and Montenegro is the subject of international law...the normative and legislative authority... rest with its member States.”^[4]

On May 25, 2004, the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights wrote to the Serbian and Montenegrin justice ministers to ask them whether they had drafted amendments to the law that would incorporate criminal acts concerning the ban on the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of antipersonnel mines. The Serbian Deputy Justice Minister, Branislav Bjelica, responded, “[U]nderway is the drawing up of a working version of the Penal Code of the Republic of Serbia in which we will take into account all the obligations assumed through the signed conventions.”^[5] The Montenegrin Justice Minister replied that since April 2004, “Montenegro has been implementing a new Penal Code which has been harmonized with international agreements and standards.” It includes punishments of one to five years of prison for production, transfer, or stockpiling of banned weapons.^[6]

Serbia and Montenegro submitted a formal declaration with its instrument of accession stating that “it is the understanding of Serbia and Montenegro that the mere participation in the planning or conduct of operations, exercises or any other military activities by the armed forces of Serbia and Montenegro, or by any of its nationals, if carried out in conjunction with armed forces of the non-State Parties (to the Convention), which engage in activities prohibited under the Convention, does not in any way imply an assistance, encouragement or inducement as referred to in subparagraph 1 (c) of the Convention.”

Serbia and Montenegro attended the Fifth Meeting of States Parties in September 2003, where its delegation presented plans for destruction of the stockpile of 1.3 million antipersonnel mines and appealed for financial assistance.^[7] Previously, it attended the annual meetings of States Parties in 2001 and 2002 as an observer.

Serbia and Montenegro attended the intersessional Standing Committee meetings in February and June 2004. In February, it made presentations on legislation, stockpile destruction and victim assistance (see later sections). Its delegation remarked that all countries in South East Europe had become States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, which contributed to peace and stability in the region and represented a radical change in a “region that was better known by animosities and conflicts.”^[8]

The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia started to participate in the intersessional meetings in January 2002. In May 2002, it started attending meetings of the Reay Group on Mine Action (part of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe). It attended the Reay Group workshop in February 2004, which reviewed progress of States in the region towards meeting their treaty obligations.

In January 2004, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it and the Ministry of Defense were preparing Serbia and Montenegro’s initial Article 7 report for adoption by the Council of Ministers. This would then be submitted to the UN by 28 August 2004, as required by the treaty.^[9] However, as of 24 September 2004, this report had not been received by the UN.

On 8 December 2003, Serbia and Montenegro voted in favor of UN General Assembly Resolution 58/53, which calls for universalization and implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty. It has voted for similar General Assembly resolutions since 2001.

The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was a State Party to the Convention on Conventional Weapons and its 1980 Protocol II, but not Amended Protocol II. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in January 2004 that the procedure for ratifying the protocol had been initiated.^[10] Serbia and Montenegro attended as an observer the Fifth Annual Conference of States Parties to Amended Protocol II in November 2003, and has attended annual conferences of States Parties in previous years.

Production and Transfer

In January 2003, the Ministry of Defense claimed that mines had not been produced in Serbia and Montenegro since 1992, nor exported to other countries since 1990.^[11]

The former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was one of the largest manufacturers of antipersonnel mines, producing at least ten types; it also produced multiple mine-layers. There were production facilities in Bugojno, Vogosca, and Gorazde in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Krusevac. A total of over 330,000 antipersonnel mines from the former Yugoslavia have been declared in the stockpiles of Mine Ban Treaty States Parties Algeria, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mauritania, Namibia, Perú, Suriname, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda, and Venezuela. It has been suggested that mines were exported to Republika Srpska during the 1992–1995 conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.^[12]

Military interest in developing “smart mines” and a remote mining system were noted in last year’s Landmine Monitor Report 2003. In January 2004, the Ministry of Defense stated that no research was being carried out on “smart mines," and work on the remote mine-laying project had ceased.^[13]

Stockpiling and Destruction

In January 2003, Serbia and Montenegro voluntarily revealed that it held a stockpile of 1,320,620 antipersonnel mines. The treaty deadline for stockpile destruction is 1 March 2008. At the Fifth Meeting of States Parties, the stockpile was reported to consist of seven types of antipersonnel mine, as shown in the table.

Serbia and Montenegro stockpile of antipersonnel mines[14]

Type	Quantity
PMA-1, 1A	287,804
PMA-2	145,185
PMA-3	258,631
PMR-2	74,072
PMR-2A	465,089
PMR-3	3,528
PROM-1	52,547
Incomplete, damaged, fuzeless	33,764
Total	1,320,620

In March 2003, however, the Ministry of Defense stated that Serbia and Montenegro also held one other type – the MRUD directional fragmentation mine. Unless modified, this type of mine can be both victim-activated, which is prohibited by the Mine Ban Treaty, or command-detonated, which is not prohibited.^[15] In June 2004, at the Standing Committee meetings, a member of the Ministry of Defense informed Landmine Monitor that the MRUD mines are capable only of command-detonation.^[16] The same month, in response to a letter from the Helsinki Committee, the Defense Ministry’s chief of cabinet wrote back stating, “Like other countries with anti-personnel mines in their possession, the SCG has reported that it possesses mines with a guided effect, which do not fall under the Convention. Mines with a fragmentation guided effect (MRUD) are not activated by the victim, but rather by a remote command, so that the structure of these mines has not changed since they were introduced into our Army’s armament, i.e. there is no need to ‘adjust’ them to the types of mines that are not banned.”^[17]

In February 2004, the Ministry of Defense stated that its antipersonnel mine stockpile could be destroyed by the four-year deadline set by the Mine Ban Treaty, but detailed planning had not started, and was dependent on financial donations by the international community.^[18] At the Fifth Meeting of States Parties and at Standing Committee meetings in February 2004, a Ministry of Defense representative reported that the estimated duration of the stockpile destruction program was two to three years, with a cost of $2 million. It would take place at the Technical Repair Facility in Kragujevac, with about 55 personnel involved. Serbia and Montenegro could provide logistical and practical requirements. The stockpile is stored at 23 locations.^[19]

The plan to destroy an initial quantity of 91,470 antipersonnel mines as proof of commitment to the Mine Ban Treaty, announced at the Standing Committee meetings in February 2003, was not carried out due to lack of funding.^[20]

Feasibility studies for destruction of the antipersonnel mine stockpile were carried out by the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) in September 2003 and January–April 2004.^[21] In June 2004, Serbia and Montenegro informed the Standing Committee meetings that an agreement was in negotiation for NAMSA to carry out destruction of the stockpile.^[22] Canada reported that it donated C$33,594 (US$24,456) in 2003 for stockpile destruction to be carried out in Serbia and Montenegro by NAMSA.^[23]

Use

Incidents involving landmines continued to be reported in southern Serbia during 2003. As before, it is unclear if all or any of these incidents represent new use or result from earlier deployment by irregular anti-Serbian forces.^[24] A total of 40 antipersonnel mines and six antivehicle mines were discovered and destroyed by government forces during 2003, in the southern municipalities of Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja. Six hidden weapon caches were also discovered, including four Chinese antipersonnel mines.^[25]

In other cases, mines were not detected and caused casualties. On 23 February 2003, a police officer was killed and two others injured by an antivehicle mine and on 19 April, a soldier was badly injured by an antipersonnel mine, in Bujanovac municipality.^[26]

During 2002, there were 19 incidents involving 17 antipersonnel mines and five antivehicle mines. Ten secret depots containing 108 antipersonnel mines and 14 antivehicle mines were discovered.^[27] In 2001, there were 34 incidents involving 109 antipersonnel mines and explosive devices, and six secret depots were discovered containing 152 antipersonnel and 38 antivehicle mines.^[28] Between June 1999 and February 2001, 18 incidents were reported, involving 30 antivehicle mines.^[29]

In the conflict in Kosovo in 1999, Yugoslav forces reportedly laid at least 620 minefields and an estimated 50,000 mines, with the great majority concentrated in the south near the Albanian and Macedonian borders. The Kosovo Liberation Army also used mines in the conflict.^[30] (See separate entry for Kosovo in Landmine Monitor Report 2004).

Landmine/UXO Problem

The Mine Action Center for Serbia and Montenegro estimated that 39 million square meters of Serbia and Montenegro may be contaminated by mines and UXO. Mines account for 10 million square meters of the contamination.^[31] The mine/UXO problem has several origins, and is diverse.

The most mine-contaminated area, arising from the 1992–1995 conflicts during the break-up of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, is on the tri-border with Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the vicinity of Jamena village up to the Belgrade-Zagreb highway. It is estimated that there are about 5,700 antipersonnel and 3,400 antivehicle mines in an area of 6.5 million square meters.^[32]

The Prevlaka peninusula was also heavily mined in the early 1990s, and became a demilitarized zone under the control of a UN mission. The disputed border between Montenegro and Croatia runs through the peninsula.

The NATO campaign in March–June 1999 resulted in widespread contamination of Serbia by cluster submunitions and other UXO. In 2004, the Mine Action Center reported 15 locations with unexploded cluster submunitions totaling 2.5 million square meters, and unexploded aerial bombs and projectiles in other locations including the river Danube.^[33] During and following the Kosovo conflict, parts of southern Serbia were mined by Albanian insurgents in attacks on Serb security forces. The population displacements caused by these conflicts increased the risk of casualties caused by mines. In 1999, the Kosovo conflict prompted 230,000 non-Albanians to move from Kosovo into Serbia. In 2000, Albanian insurgency prompted 15,000 inhabitants of Serbia to move into Kosovo. An Albanian insurgency in neighboring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in 2001 prompted another influx into southern Serbia.^[34]

Mine Action Coordination and Planning

At State union level, there is no national mine action body and no national mine action plan. For Serbia, the Mine Action Center has mine action coordination and planning responsibilities. In Montenegro, the Regional Underwater Mine Sweeping Center is responsible.^[35]

The Mine Action Center was formed on 7 March 2002 as part of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.^[36] Responsibility for the Mine Action Center was passed to the Serbian government’s General Secretariat in September 2003. The Mine Action Center’s responsibilities include proposing legislation pertaining to demining, collecting data on mined and suspected areas, developing demining projects, and obtaining funding.^[37] Mine clearance carried out by the army is not within the Center’s responsibility, and it keeps no records of Army clearance operations.^[38]

In 2003–2004, the Mine Action Center organized training to international standards of 15 personnel in the use of modern metal detectors. In 2002, training was carried out in demining and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), monitoring and final inspection, general and technical survey, management and databases.^[39]

The Mine Action Center’s plan to start victim assistance activities in 2003 was prevented by lack of personnel. In 2004, it planned to establish a database on mine victims, which “will play a key role in planning aid projects for mine victims and their families.” The Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) will be used. Training of personnel in the use of IMSMA started in 2003.^[40]

In southern Serbia, a joint Army and Ministry of the Interior Coordinating Body is responsible for dealing with mines and UXO, and has formed a group of demining experts.

Mine/UXO Clearance

In 2003, a total of 1,460,000 square meters was cleared of mines and UXO, according to the Mine Action Center.^[41] This is considerably less than the 3.5 million square meters it reported cleared in 2002. The International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF) reported that it funded clearance of a higher total of 1,564,320 square meters in Serbia and Montenegro during 2003. This included battle area clearance of Nis airport by the Bosnian NGO STOP Mines (two phases totaling 832,000 square meters with 91 items of UXO removed), demining in two locations on the Prevlaka peninsula (247,000 square meters cleared with 90 mines found), and demining in the tri-border area (485,320 square meters with 1,518 mines and 365 UXO found).^[42] The ITF planned to fund a third phase of clearance at Nis during 2004, using locally trained personnel supervised by STOP Mines.^[43]

In southern Serbia during 2003, military and police units found and destroyed 276 mines, 41 items of UXO and four improvised explosive devices.^[44]

On the Prevlaka peninsula, clearance operations were completed successfully in 2003, with final inspection by military teams from both Serbia and Montenegro and Croatia. A small area remained to be cleared on the Croatian side of the border.^[45] The Montenegrin Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that clearance on the Prevlaka border was carried out by the Bosnian NGOs Pro Vita and APM-Bihac, with Pro Vita clearing 135,000 square meters (destroying 62 antipersonnel mines, 12 antivehicle mines and one UXO), and APM-Bihac clearing 106,000 square meters (destroying 16 antipersonnel mines and four UXO).^[46] The combined total of 241,000 square meters cleared is less than the 247,000 reported by the ITF.

The Mine Action Center reports that planned clearance of aerial bombs and projectiles in Belgrade and other locations including Lake Palic, and clearance of cluster submunitions from Mount Kopaonik, were not carried out in 2003 as planned due to lack of funding.^[47]

There is an incomplete picture of mine/UXO clearance in previous years. In 2002, the Mine Action Center reported that 3.5 million square meters were cleared, excluding military and police operations. In southern Serbia from May 2001 to December 2002, the Army and Ministry of the Interior cleared 6,654 mines and 223,058 items of UXO, and carried out some demining in the tri-border area. During 2001, the Army and Ministry of the Interior located 3,847 items of UXO.^[48]

Mine Risk Education

Mine risk education (MRE) is not identified as one of the Mine Action Center’s responsibilities. Information has been provided only on MRE activities carried out in southern Serbia by UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and to a lesser extent by military and police forces.

In 2003, UNICEF organized mine risk education workshops attended by 800 schoolchildren and 150 adults in Medvedja municipality. The ICRC carried out MRE in Bujanovac and Presevo municipalities in 2001 through March 2004, by means of presentations, theater performances, radio spots, distribution of posters, leaflets and booklets, assisted by local Red Cross Societies and the local authorities.

The ICRC started mine risk education activities in southern Serbia in 2000, in cooperation with local Red Cross societies, using a network of community volunteers.^[49] In 2002–2003, the ICRC noted that there were relatively few mine incidents, suggesting a low level of risk. To determine whether its activities should continue, it assessed how effective the MRE program had been. On 15–18 September 2003, 217 interviews were carried out in 20 villages with people in three age categories (children, adolescents, adults). The results showed “a high level of knowledge and awareness of the people of this region of the dangers from the mines and other unexploded devices left after the war, and that their behavior has become safer.” All three age categories knew the location of dangerous areas, and what action to take upon noticing a dangerous object. The ICRC concluded that its involvement could be handed over to local bodies, provided that detection and clearance of the dangerous areas continued.^[50]

Historically, awareness of the danger of mines and UXO was an important element of Yugoslav military doctrine, in the context of the population’s general preparedness in the event of attack. However, formal mine risk education programs appear to be confined to southern Serbia, where the easing of tensions in May 2001 in relation to neighboring Kosovo allowed MRE activities to be initiated. Mine risk education is the responsibility of the joint Coordinating Body, in cooperation with the ICRC and others. In 2001–2002, local and state-run media carried out mine risk education programs, and there were billboards and leaflets. This community-level program included activities directed to children in particular, conducted in both Serbian and Albanian. In 2002, the ICRC trained volunteer mine risk educators from mine-affected communities. Other organizations carrying our mine risk education in southern Serbia in previous years include Médecins sans Frontières. ^[51]

Mine Action Funding

In 2003, the ITF allocated $2,375,200 for mine action in Serbia and Montenegro, excluding the UN-administered province of Kosovo. This included $2,137,300 for demining and battle area clearance of Nis airport, the Prevlaka peninsula, and the tri-border area, and $237,900 to support the Mine Action Center, and to supply equipment and training.^[52] This represented 9.5 percent of ITF funding and was a substantial increase over 2002 ($299,044 or 1 percent of ITF funding). ITF support for mine action in Serbia and Montenegro started in 2001, with funding of $31,052 (0.1 percent of ITF funds).

Canada reported that it donated C$33,594 (US$24,456) in 2003 for stockpile destruction.^[53]

The funds expended on mine/UXO clearance by government forces have not been reported. In 2002, the EC and Danube Commission funded survey and clearance in the river Danube, and Serbia’s Road Directorate funded survey of the river Sava.

Landmine/UXO Casualties

In 2003, one Serbian policeman was killed and two others injured when their vehicle hit an antivehicle mine in Bujanovac municipality on 23 February, and on 19 April a military deminer was injured by an antipersonnel mine during mine clearance activities. No civilian mine/UXO casualties were reported in 2003.^[54]

In January 2003, two deminers from Serbia and Montenegro were injured during a mine clearance operation in Lebanon.^[55]

Incidents continue to be reported in 2004. No physical injuries were reported but a trailer was destroyed after a farmer drove his tractor over an antivehicle mine in the village of Borovac.^[56]

There is no comprehensive data on mine casualties in Serbia and Montenegro. Data for the period 1992 to 2000 indicates that 1,360 mine/UXO casualties were recorded, of whom 24 people were killed and 1,336 injured. The majority of mine survivors are displaced persons from the conflict in Kosovo or refugees from earlier hostilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reported casualties increased after June 1999 as a result of the conflict in southern Serbia, particularly in the municipalities of Bujanovac, Presevo and Medvedja. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, from 10 June 1999 to 31 December 2002, 82 mine/UXO casualties were reported, including 20 people killed and 62 injured; 49 were civilians of whom at least 22 were children.^[57] Other sources, including the ICRC, indicate that between 1999 and 2002, 100 mine/UXO casualties were reported: 14 in 1999, 48 in 2000, 33 in 2001, and five in 2002. At least 43 mine/UXO casualties, including 33 survivors, were civilians.^[58]

All the reported casualties occurred in southern Serbia. It is not known if there were casualties in other mine/UXO-contaminated parts of Serbia and Montenegro.

Survivor Assistance

In the past, Serbia and Montenegro was reported as having well-developed surgical and rehabilitation services for mine survivors, as well as reintegration programs.^[59] However, the lack of resources as a result of the conflict, the disintegration of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and sanctions have all affected the quality of healthcare services. There is an urgent need to reform and improve services by activities including the training of medical staff, the supply of equipment, medical supplies and treatment aids, and through expert and technical assistance.^[60] In 2002, the European Agency for Reconstruction funded the supply of new equipment for surgical centers in the Republic of Serbia. The International Rescue Committee is also working with the Ministry of Health to improve health services in southern Serbia. The ICRC health program in southern Serbia includes improving access, upgrading of facilities, provision of equipment and supplies, and training for medical staff from primary health clinics.^[61] In 2001, the ICRC donated emergency surgical kits to major hospital, including in Vranje, KBC Nis, Military Hospital Nis, Emergency Center Belgrade, and KBC Zvezdara Belgrade.

There are several Health Clinic Centers which have both surgical and orthopedic capabilities. More serious mine injuries are treated in hospitals in Nis and Belgrade or the Military Medical Hospital in Belgrade.^[62] Under the health insurance system, all citizens are entitled to free surgical and orthopedic treatment. With the medical infrastructure throughout the country, a landmine casualty can usually reach specialized medical treatment within three hours of the incident. The Serbian Ministry of Health does not maintain statistics on civilians treated for mine injuries.^[63] Military casualties and Serbian police seriously injured in mine incidents in southern Serbia receive surgical and orthopedic treatment at Belgrade’s Military Medical Hospital.

Serbia and Montenegro has 23 rehabilitation centers, including the Dr Miroslav Zotovic Rehabilitation Center in Belgrade; Igalo in Montenegro; and centers in Nis, Novi Sad and Podgorica. However, the majority of mine survivors come to Belgrade for rehabilitation. There are also private clinics supplying prosthetics and other assistive devices.^[64] The Institute for Prosthetics in Belgrade, financed by the Ministry of Health, is the only specialized clinical facility in Serbia and Montenegro that can provide full treatment and rehabilitation for amputees, including landmine survivors. The Institute has an orthopedic department, a rehabilitation department, capacity for the production of upper and lower limb prosthetics and orthotics, and programs to assist the reintegration of persons with a disability into society. The Institute is also a teaching center for the Medical Faculty of the University of Belgrade. The Institute is reported to have highly trained staff but a lack of resources is limiting its capacity to provide high quality prostheses. Between 1991 and 1998, of the 1,275 war-wounded amputees rehabilitated at the Institute, 402 were injured as a result of antipersonnel landmines. In 1999 and early 2000, the Institute assisted 45 new mine survivors; however, no new mine survivors have been assisted since then. Twenty-eight disabled war veterans, most of whom are mine survivors, are permanent residents of the Institute; most are from Croatia and are refugees in Serbia with no family support. Production of artificial limbs at the Institute has reportedly stalled due to a lack of resources.^[65]

In a study on the medical and social rehabilitation of mine survivors conducted by the Institute of Prosthetics, it was reported that many survivors were pessimistic about their future and feared loneliness and isolation. Psychosocial support was identified as an essential element of rehabilitation to improve the quality of life of the newly disabled person. The Dr. Laza Lazarevic Institute for Neuropsychiatric Diseases in Belgrade is the oldest facility providing specialized psychosocial services in the region. Activities include counseling, occupational therapy and sporting activities.^[66]

The local association, Dobra Volja (Goodwill), provides psychosocial support to mine survivors, who are mostly refugees from Croatia and Kosovo. The association, which was established in 1995 with support from the Institute of Prosthetics, has around 500 members, of which about 75 percent are mine survivors. An office was established in Belgrade with support from the Christian World Service (who donated computers); the International Orthodox Christian Charities; and local businesses. Dobra Volja organizes social functions, including literary evenings and art exhibitions, and publishes a newsletter for its members. However, activities are limited by a lack of resources. The main needs of mine survivors as identified by the association are employment, housing, and better-quality prostheses to improve mobility.^[67]

One of the main problems facing mine survivors in Serbia and Montenegro is the lack of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, a problem exacerbated by high unemployment in the general population. The National Employment service is responsible for developing vocational training programs and job placement for persons with disabilities, including mine survivors. However, due to financial restraints these programs are not being implemented.^[68]

In 2003, the ICRC began an income generation project for internally displaced persons, including some mine survivors, in southern Serbia: 1,226 grants were awarded for income- generating projects and 351 people received vocational training. Funding of between US$300–$1,100 was provided to purchase equipment, tools, cows or seeds.^[69] The International Rescue Committee supports an income generation program for refugees and internally displaced persons; however, there are no specific programs for landmines survivors or other persons with disabilities. In the past, landmine survivors were provided with skills training during their rehabilitation in state factories and companies for work compatible with their disability. A private fund, “Kapetan Dragan” also ran a program to provide computer skills for persons with disabilities. But the economic crisis impacted on the effectiveness of these programs.

HI’s program, SHARE-SEE (Self Help for Advocacy, Rights and Equal Opportunities in South East Europe), aims at empowering local associations of persons with disabilities through trainings and regional exchanges, and provides small grants for activities.^[70] The HI program assisting mine survivors and other persons with disabilities in southern Serbia ended in March 2003.

A study on mine victim assistance in Serbia and Montenegro in 2003 identified several key issues and challenges to providing adequate assistance to mine survivors including: the affordability of appropriate healthcare and rehabilitation; improving and upgrading facilities for rehabilitation and psychosocial support; creating opportunities for employment and income generation; capacity building and ongoing training of healthcare practitioners, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and orthopedic technicians; raising awareness on the rights and needs of persons with disabilities; and supporting local NGOs and agencies to ensure sustainability of programs. In 2003, the Mine Action Center planned to expand its activities to include programs to assist mine survivors and their families; however, implementation of any projects was dependent on donor funding.^[71]

Disability Policy and Practice

There are laws to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, including the 1991 “Law on Social Welfare of People with Disabilities and Retired” and its amendments, the 1996 “Law of Qualifying for Work and Employing Invalids,” and the 24 January 2003 “Act on General Principles of Pension and Disability Insurance,” which amended an earlier 1996 Act; however, due to economic conditions there are difficulties in implementing their provisions.^[72] In 2003, the Ministry of Social Affairs enacted a new Act relating to children with disabilities. Under the new Act each disabled child will be assessed and an individual action plan developed to meet their specific needs. The Act is still waiting for approval from the Ministry of Education.^[73]

In the Republic of Serbia, the “Law on the Rights of Civilian Persons Disabled in War” entitles approved beneficiaries to healthcare, orthopedic aids, subsidized transport, and a monthly benefit. The monthly benefit, depending on the degree of disability, ranges from between €25 ($28) and €400 ($450). The full implementation of these entitlements is being hampered by a lack of resources.^[74]

Most landmine survivors are eligible for disability pensions, but all pensions in Serbia and Montenegro are very low, so it is very difficult for a person to live only on the pension. The average monthly social welfare payment in Serbia is 1,800 dinars (US$30). However, draft Amendments and Additions to the Law on Social Welfare and the Provision of Social Security for Citizens proposes an increase to 3,000 dinars (US$50) per month.^[75] Disabled war veterans reportedly receive around US$130 per month, but even this amount is insufficient to provide for the basic needs of survivors and their families.^[76]

The Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for issues relating to all persons with disabilities, including landmine survivors. In February 2001, the Ministry of Social Affairs signed a Protocol on Cooperation with Handicap International for the joint revision of problems concerning persons with disability and their families. HI provided advice to the Ministry on reform of the disability sector, including social assistance and reform of institutions until June 2004.^[77] The Council of the Government of the Republic of Serbia was established, with the active participation of persons with disabilities, to propose a framework for identifying solutions to the problems they face and to better implement their rights.^[78] However, it would appear that little progress has been made.

At the Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration meetings in February and June 2004, Serbia and Montenegro outlined their problems, progress, plans and priorities in providing adequate mine victim assistance. Priorities and key issues identified include: the need for data on the extent of the problem; support for healthcare reform; upgrading skills of medical and rehabilitation staff; the establishment of regional centers for psychosocial support; and assistance for vocational training, job placement and small business loans. In order to achieve the goal of “improving the quality of life of victims and families, through employment, social integration, humanization and de-stigmatization” funding of €300,000 ($340,000) per year for three years is reportedly needed.^[79]

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[1] See Landmine Monitor Report 1999, pp. 826–827, and Landmine Monitor Report 2000, pp. 853–854.
[2] Letter to ICBL from Miroslav Milosevic, Assistant Federal Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belgrade, 11 January 2000.
[3] Official Gazette, No. 5, 20 June 2003, p. 40.
[4] Statement by Dusanka Divjak-Tomic, Minister Counselor, Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, Standing Committee on General Status and Operation of the Convention, Geneva, 9 February 2004. The statement added that, “Notwithstanding the cumbersome procedure... Serbia and Montenegro is no less determined to abide by the provisions of the Convention.”
[5] Letter from Branislav Bjelica, Deputy Minister of Justice of Serbia, No. 337-00-68/2004-06, 9 June 2004.
[6] Letter from Zeljko Sturanovic, Deputy Minister of Justice of Montenegro, No. 03-2510/04, 8 June 2004. It noted that the Penal Code also laid down new criminal acts, which include: “‘Unauthorized production of banned weapons,’ which says: ‘He who, contrary to the law, other regulations and rules of international law, produces, buys, sells, imports, exports of otherwise obtains or gives to others, stockpiles or transfers weapons whose production or use is banned or means for its production, will be punished with one to five years of prison. (2) An officer or some other responsible person who orders or enables a legal entity to perform activities referred to in paragraph 1 of this article will be punished with one to eight years of prison.’ We believe that, by prescribing the mentioned criminal acts, we have fulfilled the obligations envisaged for the State Union of SCG to join to Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines. We also inform you that the Penal Code, article 31, envisages the responsibility of legal entities for criminal acts and sanctions for them, as well as the criminal acts for which a legal entity can be responsible, which will be regulated by a special law, in a manner that will provide for the full implementation of the mentioned Convention. We wish to note that, by the end of the current year, the justice ministry will draft a law on the criminal responsibility of legal entities.”
[7] Col. Vlado Radic, “Project on destruction of APM stockpiles in Serbia and Montenegro,” Fifth Meeting of States Parties, Bangkok, 15–19 September 2003.
[8] Statement by Serbia and Montenegro, Standing Committee on the General Status, 9 February 2004.
[9] Letter from Zoran Basaraba, General Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 27 January 2004.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Letter from Maj. Gen. Dobrosav Radovanovic, Assistant Minister of Defense, Sector of International Military Cooperation and Defense Policy, Federal Ministry of Defense, 29 January 2003; see also Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 789. On 20 June 2003, Serbia and Montenegro repeated this statement in the Conference on Disarmament.
[12] See Landmine Monitor Report 1999, p. 829, and Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 923.
[13] Letter from Boris Rankovic, Ministerial Secretary, Ministry of Defense, 13 February 2004; see also Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 676.
[14] Statement by Col. Vlado Radic, Fifth Meeting of States Parties, 15–19 September 2003.
[15] Fax to Landmine Monitor from Col. Vlado Radic, 24 March 2003.
[16] Interview with Col. Vlado Radic, Standing Committee meetings, Geneva, 24 June 2004.
[17] Letter from Col. Miladin Bogicevic, Chief of Cabinet, Ministry of Defense, Serbia and Montenegro, No. 1283-4, 24 June 2004.
[18] Letter from Boris Rankovic, Ministry of Defense, 13 February 2004; see also Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 677.
[19] “Project on stockpile destruction,” Fifth Meeting of States Parties, 15–19 September 2003, and “Project on destruction of APM stockpiles in Serbia and Montenegro,” Standing Committee on Stockpile Destruction, Geneva, 12 February 2004.
[20] Letter from Boris Rankovic, Ministry of Defense, 13 February 2004.
[21] “Support to Partnership for Peace Trust Fund Projects by the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA),” Standing Committee on Stockpile Destruction, Geneva, 12 February 2004.
[22] Statement by Serbia and Montenegro, Standing Committee on Stockpile Destruction, 24 June 2004.
[23] See Canada entry in this report; “Annual Donor Report for Canada: 2003,” Mine Action Investments database.
[24] For the original circumstances of mine use against Serbian forces in southern Serbia, see Landmine Monitor Report 2001, pp. 923–924 and Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 789.
[25] Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs, “Report for the period 1 January–31 December 2003,” No. 231, signed by Ministerial Counselor Col. Ivan Djordjevic, 9 February 2004.
[26] Ibid. The Albanian National Army claimed responsibility for the 23 February incident. “Southern Serbia’s Fragile Peace,” International Crisis Group, Report No. 152, 9 December 2003, p. 6.
[27] See Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 677.
[28] See Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 790.
[29] See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, pp. 924–926.
[30] See Landmine Monitor Report 2000, p. 855.
[31] Letter from Petar Mihajlovic, Director, Mine Action Center, Belgrade, 13 March 2003; Mine Action Center, “2003 Mine Action Plan for the Republic of Serbia,” Belgrade, p. 2. For details, see Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 678.
[32] Letter from Petar Mihajlovic, Mine Action Center, 18 May 2004. The Mine Action Center reported in March 2003 that there were about 7,200 antipersonnel and 3,800 antivehicle mines in 103 minefields from 100 to 3,000 meters wide and stretching for about 40,500 meters. It seems that the differences result from clearance activity in the interim period.
[33] Ibid. The locations are Nis (5 locations, 100,000 square meters), Kraljevo (3 locations, 100,000 square meters), Kopaonik (2 locations, 500,000 square meters), Kursumlija (2 locations, 300,000 square meters), Sjenica (2 locations, 1,500,000 square meters), and Vladimirci (1,000 square meters).
[34] Norwegian Refugee Council, “Background information on the situation of IDPs in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia,” 11 March 2002.
[35] Letter from Petar Mihajlovic, Mine Action Center, 18 May 2004.
[36] The literal translation of the title from Serb is the Center for Removing Mines and Other Unexploded Ordnance, but the preferred English version is Mine Action Center.
[37] Letters from Petar Mihajlovic, Mine Action Center, 13 March 2003 and 18 May 2004.
[38] Letter from Petar Mihajlovic, Mine Action Center, 7 May 2003.
[39] See Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 679.
[40] Letters from Petar Mihajlovic, Mine Action Center, 13 March 2003 and 18 May 2004.
[41] Ibid.
[42] Email from Sabina Beber, Head of International Relations, ITF, 27 February 2004. The Mine Action Center reports similar data in less detail.
[43] “Battle area clearance at Nis airport,” Trust, (ITF newsletter), June 2003, p. 6.
[44] Letter from Nebojsa Covic, President, Coordination Center of Serbia and Montenegro, 17 May 2004. The Coordination Center is a joint organ of the Federal Government and the Government of the Republic of Serbia. Comparable data for 2002 has not been reported. These figures do not seem consistent with those supplied by the Ministry of the Interior on 9 February 2004. (See “Use” section).
[45] “Serbia-Montenegro, Croatia say Prevlaka demilitarization successfully completed,” Tanjug (news agency), 13 November 2003.
[46] Report of the Montenegrin Ministry of Internal Affairs, signed by Dragan Pejanovic, Head of Ministerial Cabinet, 15 February 2004. Comparable data for 2002 has not been reported.
[47] Letter from Petar Mihajlovic, Mine Action Center, 18 May 2004.
[48] See Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 792, and Landmine Monitor Report 2003, pp. 679–680. In 2002, the ITF reported only survey, tendering and planning activities in Serbia and Montenegro.
[49] ICRC, “Special Report, Mine Action 2003,” p. 44.
[50] ICRC, “Report on results and effects of mine risk education program conducted in southern Serbia in the period from 2001–2003,” December 2003. Document supplied by Nebojsa Covic, President of the Coordination Center for Serbia and Montenegro, on 17 May 2004. The number of people exposed to the ICRC MRE program is not reported. Translated by the Landmine Monitor.
[51] “Federal Republic of Yugoslavia: Facts and Figures on Recent ICRC Action,” 7 August 2002; letter from Nebojsa Covic, Coordination Center, 12 February 2003. See Landmine Monitor Report 1999, p. 834, Landmine Monitor Report 2002, pp. 792–793, and Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 680.
[52] Email from Sabina Beber, ITF, 27 February 2004.
[53] See Canada entry in this report.
[54] Ministry of Internal Affairs, “2003 Report,” 9 February 2004; email from Zeljko Lezaja, Communications Assistant/Mine Awareness Coordinator, ICRC, Belgrade, 9 July 2004.
[55] “Miner Loser Leg,” Danas, 13 January 2003, p. 3; Aleksandar Roknic, “VJ Experts are Not in Lebanon,” Danas, 15 January 2003, p. 1.
[56] Email from Zeljko Lezaja, ICRC, Belgrade, 9 July 2004.
[57] Presentation by Serbia and Montenegro, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 10 February 2004.
[58] HI. Landmine Victim Assistance in South East Europe, Brussels, September 2003, p. 63.
[59] Unless otherwise stated information in this section is taken from the Serbia and Montenegro entry in HI, Landmine Victim Assistance in South East Europe, Brussels, September 2003.
[60] Presentation Serbia and Montenegro, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance, 10 February 2004.
[61] ICRC, “Annual Report 2003,” Geneva, June 2004, p. 215.
[62] Presentation Serbia and Montenegro, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance, 10 February 2004.
[63] Dr. Zoran Maricic, Deputy Serbian Ministry of Health, Information No. 590-00-170/2003-01, 26 January 2004.
[64] Email from Dr. Pascal Granier, Disability Policy Coordinator, HI – Regional Office for Southeast Europe, 12 August 2004; see also HI, Landmine Victim Assistance in South East Europe, September 2003, p. 66.
[65] Presentation Serbia and Montenegro, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance, 10 February 2004.
[66] Information distributed at the Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 23 June 2004.
[67] Interview with Golko Dmitrovic, Zarko Jokic, and Nikola Barisic, mine survivors and members of Dobra Volja, Belgrade, 14 April 2003.
[68] Presentation Serbia and Montenegro, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance, 10 February 2004.
[69] ICRC, “Annual Report 2003,” Geneva, June 2004, p. 215; interview with Zeljko Lezaja, Communications Assistant/Mine Awareness Coordinator, ICRC, Belgrade, 15 April 2003.
[70] Email from Dr. Pascal Granier, HI, 12 August 2004.
[71] Interview with Petar Mihajlovic, Mine Action Center, 16 April 2003.
[72] HI, Landmine Victim Assistance World Report 2002, Lyon, December 2002, p. 332; see also natlex.ilo.org.
[73] Email from Dr. Pascal Granier, HI, 12 August 2004.
[74] Presentation Serbia and Montenegro, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance, 10 February 2004.
[75] Information provided to Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia by Gordana Matkovic, Serbian Minister of Social Affairs, dated 23 January 2003.
[76] Interview with mine survivors and members, Dobra Volja, 14 April 2003.
[77] Email from Dr. Pascal Granier, HI, 12 August 2004.
[78] Information by Gordana Matkovic, Serbian Minister of Social Affairs, 23 January 2003.
[79] Presentation Serbia and Montenegro, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance, 10 February 2004; Presentation by Serbia and Montenegro, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance, 23 June 2004.