2024-12-16 14:13:00
YE Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia,
YE Ly Thuch, Chair of the Fifth Review Conference,
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues:
it is my honor to address the Fifth Review Conference of the Convention on the Ban of Anti-Personnel Mines on behalf of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Cambodia is one of the cradles of the global movement for a world free of landmines and I wont to thank our hosts for welcoming us into this unique surroundings in Siem Reap, a world heritage site.
I would like to start by recalling the humanitarian logic that underlies the Convention. When it was adopted in 1997, the vast majority of mine victims were civilians, often displaced people returning home, trying to rebuild their lives, or farmers trying to make a living from their land. A large number of these victims were children whose young lives ended tragically or changed forever when they stepped on a landmine, while walking to school or while playing outdoors.
Despite significant progress made since then, many of these tragic consequences continue to impact civilians, who continue to bear the brunt. The humanitarian imperative to put an end to these indiscriminate weapons and to provide support to mine victims remains as urgent today as it was when the Convention was adopted.
Unfortunately, our common aspiration of achieving a mine-free world by 2025 will not be realized. The slow pace of demining and repeated delays are a cause for deep concern. The same applies to reports of violations of the Convention and significant shortcomings in the provision of assistance to victims, which add to the slow pace of the universalization process.
However, we have much to be proud of: more than three-quarters of UN member states are bound by the Convention. Since 1997, States Parties have destroyed millions of stockpiled mines and vast contaminated areas have been cleared and returned to safe use.
Thanks to these important results, I hope that together we can find a solution to the challenges already known and those that may arise. We are encouraged by the increased attention being paid to critical issues such as improvised landmines, the social and economic inclusion of survivors, mine risk education, environmental damage and the possibilities offered by rapid technological advances in mine clearance.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen:
We must be ready to ensure the universalization and effective implementation of the Convention and speak up for humanitarian standards.
* First and foremost, this calls for a exhibition against the use of landmines by any actor anywhere, regardless of the circumstances. There can be no justification for the use or transfer of a weapon that causes such indiscriminate and long-lasting human costs, as the Cambodian people well know.
* secondly, this means working tirelessly to achieve the universalisation of the Convention.
* And third, it means dealing with complaints of violations of the Convention as soon as possible, while preventing violations.
They can count on the cooperation of the ICRC in its dialog with States Parties and other partners with the aim of achieving the objectives of the Convention.
In this context, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Cambodia and His Excellency Prime Minister Hun Manet for recognizing the role of our institution in the development and implementation of the Convention.
The trophy we have just received highlights the tireless dedication of all members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.I would like to particularly congratulate the Cambodian Red Cross for its long-standing efforts to address the devastating humanitarian consequences of landmines. I am also pleased to report that five other National Societies are actively participating in this conference.
This trophy reminds us of what we can achieve by working together to prevent and alleviate the suffering of landmine victims.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen:
We encourage you to set ambitious goals for the next five years, to act with the urgency necessary to address the most pressing issues facing mine-affected communities today and, above all, to realize our shared vision of a mine-free world anti-personnel.
what are the key outcomes of the Fifth Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Landmine Expert on the Fifth Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone. Today, we have an esteemed guest, Dr.Maria Thompson, a leading expert on landmines and international humanitarian law, joining us to discuss the recent Fifth Review Conference of the Convention on the Ban of Anti-Personnel Mines held in stunning Siem Reap, Cambodia. Welcome,Dr. Thompson.
Dr. Maria Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: The conference highlighted Cambodia’s pivotal role in the global movement against landmines. Can you elaborate on cambodia’s importance in this context?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely.Cambodia is often considered a symbol in the fight against landmines due to its own tragic history. After decades of conflict, the country has been left with a legacy of undetonated mines and unexploded ordnance that continue to impact the lives of countless civilians. The landmine issue in Cambodia has garnered international attention, providing a powerful narrative for humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Editor: In your opening remarks at the conference, it was emphasized that most mine victims are civilians, especially vulnerable groups like children and displaced persons. Why is this statistic important?
Dr. Thompson: This statistic underscores the humanitarian tragedy of landmines.When the Convention was adopted in 1997, the intent was to protect civilians—those rebuilding their lives and trying to cultivate their land. Unfortunately, children often bear the brunt of this violence, either losing their lives or suffering severe injuries. This reality informs the urgency and moral imperative behind the Convention. It’s not just a policy document; it’s about safeguarding lives.
Editor: The humanitarian logic behind the Convention was a key theme at the conference. Can you explain what this entails?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly. The humanitarian logic is about recognizing that landmines indiscriminately affect civilians. The Convention aims to prevent these devices from perpetuating cycles of violence and poverty. It emphasizes the responsibility of states to ensure the safety of their populations, particularly those reconstructed communities wanting to return home or farmers who need their land to survive. This perspective is essential in reinforcing the ethical obligation to ban these weapons.
Editor: During the conference,what were some of the major challenges discussed regarding landmine clearance and victim assistance?
Dr. Thompson: one of the core challenges is funding. Many countries still lack the financial resources needed for effective clearance operations and victim assistance programs. Moreover, technological advancements in landmine detection and removal are still not widely accessible in many affected nations. Lastly, there’s also the challenge of community education—ensuring people understand the dangers of landmines and how to avoid them. All these elements require a united global effort.
Editor: What role do you think international cooperation plays in achieving the goals set out in the Convention?
Dr.Thompson: International cooperation is crucial. Landmines are a global issue that require collective action. Countries must share resources, expertise, and best practices. Support from the international community—including financial aid, technological advancements, and training—can substantially enhance the efforts of affected countries in terms of both clearance and rehabilitation of victims. The collaboration ignited during conferences like this one can fuel progress toward a mine-free world.
Editor: Looking forward, what are your hopes for the future in the context of landmine legislation and impact reduction?
Dr. thompson: My hope is that we see a renewed commitment from all nations to adhere to and strengthen the Convention. This means not only focusing on mine clearance but also enhancing victim assistance and promoting education.If we can mobilize resources and political will, we can create safer environments for communities, ensuring that the cycle of violence and poverty does not continue.
Editor: Thank you, dr. Thompson,for your insights today. It’s clear that while progress has been made, much work remains to be done. Let’s hope the outcomes of the Fifth review Conference galvanize further action against the threat of landmines globally.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. I share your hope for a future free of landmines.
editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us for this crucial discussion. Until next time!