29 November 2016
In Santiago, Chile this week, Barbara Haering, President of the GICHD Council of Foundation, addressed delegates at the 15th Meeting of the States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
"Since entering into force," said Haering in her remarks at the opening session, "the Convention has saved thousands of lives. In addition, treaty commitments pave the way to restoring livelihoods, increasing access to health and education and to reducing poverty. Thus, the Convention has become one of the most important international disarmament and humanitarian treaties -- a cornerstone of human security."
The 2030 Agenda of the United Nations sets a comprehensive and binding framework for sustainable development, in which mine action has a strong role to play, stated Haering. The 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), compels the mine action sector to rethink how it conceptualises, implements and monitors its work. In particular, this shift can be done through through greater effectiveness and efficiency in planning; increasing funding and fostering innovation; and, learning from impact.
This Meeting of States Parties will continue until 1 December. This annual event brings together representatives of States Parties and those not yet party, international organisations and civil society to assess progress in implementing the Convention’s obligations.
Read more about the Meeting and the Convention.
Category: International Conventions