Convention reaffirms fight against anti-personnel mines

Staff Writer | Wednesday December 9, 2009 00:00

Hetanang was giving his statement at the just ended summit held at Cartagena, Colombia on a mine-free world under the thematic debate on universalisation of the convention. 

He said the Botswana delegation, which attended this convention took a keen interest in the Thematic Debate, motivated by the common vision of securing a truly mine-free world.

'Botswana's commitment to this ideal remains intact today as it has always been since the beginning of the convention. We are convinced that successful universaliSation of the Mine Ban Convention would help all of us realize the common and shared principle of global humanitarianism,' he said. 

He stated that Botswana joins the voices of the many calling on those States that have not yet ratified or acceded to the Treaty to consider doing so. 'As we enter the second decade of the life of this Convention, we believe that we can achieve this important goal, if we all agree to equally apply our political will towards the common vision of a mine free world,' he said.

In their 2009 Cartagena Summit declaration, the signatory member states said they are inspired by their collective achievements, they will strengthen their efforts to overcome the remaining challenges after a decade of saving lives. 

The declaration pointed out that despite great efforts and much progress, they have still not been able to fulfil all the promises that States Parties to the Convention have made to mine victims and to people living with the daily threat caused by anti-personnel mines. 

It noted that thousands of people, women, girls, boys and men are injured or killed by anti-personnel mines every year. The 2009 declaration revealed that people living in affected areas remain at risk and the development of their communities is hindered by the presence of anti-personnel mines.

Anti-personnel mines are devices containing explosives designed to kill people, usually laid beneath the ground or in water.

A small number of States not parties to the Convention and several armed non-state actors still use anti-personnel mines, causing new humanitarian challenges and continued suffering. As long as people remain at risk, we are compelled to do more to achieve our goal.  Compliance makes a difference,' the declaration said. 

The member states also noted that it is possible to have a mine free world. They resolved to continue to be guided by the humanitarian imperative that led to the Convention. 'We will ensure the full and effective participation and inclusion of mine victims in the social, cultural, economic and political life of their communities. Our victim assistance efforts will meet the highest international standards in order to fulfil the rights and fundamental freedoms of survivors and other persons with disabilities,' the declaration stated. 

The signatories to the declaration agreed to reaffirm their aim of zero new victims through clearing all mined areas and destroying all anti-personnel mines still in stock as soon as possible. They condemned the use of anti-personnel mines by any actor, including armed non-state actors.