19 December 2017
On the 20th anniversary of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC), and after years of declining numbers of victims, recent data show that new and protracted conflicts led to an increase in the suffering caused by landmines in 2016 (Landmine Monitor, 2017).
At the Meeting of States Parties (MSP) to the APMBC in Vienna, Austria, GICHD President Barbara Haering addressed delegates: "this new contamination shall set no question mark to the political commitment captured in the Maputo Declaration: to finish the job by 2025 at the latest. This still can be done."
During her remarks, she identified four key factors to achieve this 2025 goal: strong national ownership; sound strategic planning; application of the latest standards, methods and tools; sufficient resources.
In addition, Dr. Haering addressed how the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offers a framework in which to position mine action. In the joint GICHD-UNDP report launched in June 2017, twelve SDGs are identified as having a direct impact on mine action activities. Moreover, this Agenda offers the opportunity to form new partnerships, not just in the development sector, but also with the private sector and charities -- key partners in the implementation of the SDGs.
Dr. Haering delivered her remarks during the opening session of the 16th MSP, which will continue until Thursday, 21 December at the United Nations Office in Vienna.