LM Report 2005

Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 4 December 1997, but it has not yet ratified. Landmine Monitor Report 2004 noted the ratification process had progressed and as of August 2004 was reportedly in its final stage.^[1] However, no further progress has been reported.^[2] Brunei attended the First Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty in Nairobi in November-December 2004 as an observer, but did not make a statement.^[3]

Since 1996, Brunei has voted in favor of every annual pro-mine ban UN General Assembly resolution, including UNGA Resolution 59/84 on 3 December 2004, calling for universalization of the Mine Ban Treaty.

Brunei has never participated in the treaty’s intersessional Standing Committee meetings in Geneva, including those held in June 2005. Last year, Landmine Monitor provided information on Brunei’s increased interest in the Mine Ban Treaty since 2003, and on initiatives undertaken to encourage Brunei to ratify the treaty, including a mission by the Canadian Ambassador for Mine Action in May 2003.^[4]

Brunei has stated that it has never used, produced or exported antipersonnel mines, but has a small stockpile, including Claymore mines.^[5] It is not mine-affected.

^[1] Email from Sumita Dixit, Program Coordinator-Asia, Mine Action Team, Foreign Affairs Canada, 6 August 2004. According to other diplomatic sources, the relevant ministries are in agreement and have recommended ratification, but there may be some administrative delays, possibly in relation to necessary changes in legislation.

^[2] The ICBL proposed an advocacy mission to Brunei in July 2005 at the same time it visited Indonesia. Brunei replied that it “welcomes and appreciates the intention [of the ICBL] to visit Brunei Darussalam to discuss issues related to the country’s proposed ratification to the Convention.” However, “due to unforeseen circumstances” it asked for the mission to be postponed until later in the year. Fax from the Permanent Mission of Brunei Darussalam to the UN in Geneva, 29 July 2005. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense have not responded to Landmine Monitor’s requests for updated information.

^[3] Amb. Dato Paduka Mahadi bin Haji Wasli led the delegation.

^[4] Canada has provided Brunei with a sample instrument of ratification and a model of implementation legislation.

^[5] Interview with Ministry of Defense officials, 11 February 1999. During Canada’s mission in 2003, Brunei military officials expressed concern that they would have to destroy their Claymore mines. Brunei imported 600 M-18A1 Claymores from the United States in 1984. Claymore mines used in command-detonated mode are permitted under the Mine Ban Treaty. See Landmine Monitor Report 2004, p. 887.