"12th Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti Personnel Mines and on their Destruction"

Mr. President of the Meeting of the States Parties
Federal Councillor Burkhalter
Foreign Minister Erjavec
Madam High Commissioner
Mr. President of the ICRC
Distinguished delegates:

I am pleased to welcome you all to the Palais des Nations. It is an honour for us to host the 12th Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti Personnel Mines and on their Destruction.

This meeting is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared goal of a world free of landmines. As a centre for multilateral action on disarmament and protection of human rights, Geneva serves as a valuable platform for the international community’s efforts towards realizing this goal. The fight against landmines forms an indispensable part of the United Nations’ work for a better world. It is therefore my privilege to deliver the message of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon to you on this occasion.

The message goes as follows:

“I am pleased to convey my greetings to the 160 States Parties and all participants in the Twelfth Meeting on the Mine Ban Convention.

This Convention has made a meaningful difference around the globe. Tens of millions of anti-personnel mines have been destroyed and vast territories have been released for productive use; victims’ rights and needs are better understood; mine survivors benefit from improved rehabilitation and reintegration assistance; and anti-personnel landmines are being increasingly recognized as indiscriminate weapons that have no place in the 21st century.
You have helped make this possible. I know you are still working hard together to address the terrible impact these weapons still have on civilians and combatants, the post-conflict reconstruction of societies, human rights, and socio-economic and development activities of mine-affected States.

I urge you to spare no effort to comply with your obligations under the Convention within the agreed deadlines. I also urge States to renew their commitments to provide assistance to those in need and to ensure that victims and survivors enjoy the full range of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Our common action against this horrendous weapon must continue. I also renew my call on all States to accede to the Mine Ban Convention as soon as possible.

The Mine Ban Treaty is an excellent example of the humanitarian, socio-economic and environmental benefits of an effective disarmament agreement. This Convention should inspire us to continue our common efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians against the effects of conventional weapons. In this regard I have repeatedly expressed my concern about the devastating impact of explosive weapons in populated areas. I reiterate my call for more focused action on this issue. I also welcome further discussions to address the clear indiscriminate, humanitarian impact of anti-vehicle mines. The United Nations stands ready to support states pursuing further action and discussions.

Please accept my best wishes for the success of your important activities and deliberations.”

That was the end of the Secretary-General’s message.

I join the Secretary-General in extending my best wishes for a successful meeting.

Thank you very much.