Statement by Michael Schulz, Deputy Permanent Observer of the IFRC to Fourth Committee of the United Nations, in the UN General Assembly, in New York
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in particular its National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies with support by their International Federation (IFRC), has remained focused on its humanitarian services towards the victims of anti-personnel mines prior to, and still after the International Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines was first signed in 1997.
We feel not only called upon but mandated to provide humanitarian services by the Convention itself, as Article 6, on International cooperation and assistance, Para 3 spells out: “… assistance may be provided, inter alia, through the United Nations system, international, regional or national organizations or institutions, the International Committee of the Red Cross, national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and their International Federation…” .
Our global network of National Societies, professional staff and trained volunteers reaches all countries, and all communities under the threat, the scourge of anti-personnel mines.
They engage in mine awareness, mine risk education and risk reduction, first aid, they facilitate medical treatment and psychological support, they extend socio-economic help to the families of victims, they often provide prosthetic limbs, or promote the formation of self-help groups.
We do hold all those in highest esteem who, at high personal risk, work physically on clearing mines. It is slow work under progress as too many areas in too many countries of the world have been infested by too many mines.
It is a reality that reminds us of many individual tragedies still to happen while we have to stay alert and prepared to save lives and extend help for some time to come even if we had a consensus at hand today.
Next month in Nairobi, Kenya, the IFRC’s general assembly will adopt a new strategy for the decade 2010 – 2020. That will be the basis for our ongoing commitment – amongst others - towards mine victims.
And we wish to remind that assisting mine victims will remain a long term process that requires long term funding, and it shall be our hope that donors who have given generously in the past will continue to live up to expectations of mine victims and continue to fund their needs in the future.
Mr. Chairman, In spite of all our humanitarian actions only prevention will solve this problem. And as it is a global problem only a global solution will do. The mine ban treaty entered into force in 1999. March this year marked the tenth anniversary of the Convention.
By latest count 156 States Parties have signed and ratified the treaty; 39 States are not Party.
It is a moral imperative to achieve universality in the nearest possible future. Within this we, the IFRC and its 186 member National Societies, are committed and determined to work towards achieving that noble goal.
When deliberating on anti-personnel mines we are reminded of cluster munitions an invention of war just as devastating to human lives as mines. We call upon all actors not to ignore that to date only 100 states are signatories to this Convention on Cluster Munitions, leaving 95 non-signatories.
Mr Chair, Our National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are, while independent and neutral, auxiliaries to their respective governments.
It is in context of this reciprocity relationship that the Federation and around 20 of its members will seek to engage when attending the Second Review Conference in Cartagena, Colombia, 29 November - 4 December this year.
The human tragedies caused by insidious anti-personnel mines are not yesterday’s challenge. They call today for tomorrow’s universal resolution.