SOCHUM Topic 1 Position Papers

Forum: General Assembly – Social, Humanitarian and Cultural CommitteeIssue: Implementing of the Convention on the prohibition of the use of stockpiling,

production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and on their destruction.

Chair: Tiffany ChungRapporteur: Nina Stender

Hong Kong Model United Nations 2012 GA SOCHUM

Table of Contents

....................................................................................................................Afghanistan 3........................................................................................................................Argentina 4.........................................................................................................................Australia 5

..............................................................................................................................China 7........................................................................Democratic People’s Republic of Korea 8

.......................................................................................................................Germany 10..........................................................................................................................Greece 11

..............................................................................................................................India 13..........................................................................................................................Ireland 15

..............................................................................................................................Italy 16.............................................................................................................................Japan 17...........................................................................................................................Kenya 18..........................................................................................................................Nigeria 20...........................................................................................................................Russia 21

.................................................................................................................Saudi Arabia 22......................................................................................................................Singapore 23

...................................................................................................................Switzerland 24...................................................................................................United Arab Emirates 25

...........................................................................................................United Kingdom 26.............................................................................................United States of America 27


AfghanistanThe Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses huge concern on the issue of the

production, stockpiling and use in military operations regarding the Anti personnel mines, as Afghanistan has been a victim for over the past 30 years from the days when Soviet invaders using deceptive ‘Butterfly’ and ‘toy’ mines, injuring thousands of children. Even till this moment while speaking in this caucus, our enemy the Taliban is still planting Anti Personnel Mines devastating our countrymen and our friends of the Western Allies who are bringing a safer and better future for our nation.

Afghanistan recognized that there are more than 2000 communities in our country are living on or near to land which is maimed by explosives, by average every month there are 40 people being killed or injured by landmines. In an effort to remove the sting that hinders Afghanistan’s economic development and life of the civilians, the Afghan government fully participates and cooperates with the Mine Action Coordination Center of Afghanistan who implements the demining and mine risk education throughout the country. Thus, the last release of the report published by the Center reveals there out of the 398 districts, 108 of them are cleared to be safe for living and economic activity, which includes the 1793 communities. The delegation of Afghanistan continues to strive to the goal of being mine-free by 2013.

We are delighted and grateful to the state and private donors to the Agency, including current lead coalition force of the United States, Canada and the European Commission, who provides much of funds for demining equipment, mine risk education schemes and mentoring programs to our fellow countrymen. In addition, the Afghan National Army has also recently achieved full capability for operations on Explosive Ordinance Disposal including mines, thus multiplies to the effort to achieve the goal of mine-free Afghanistan.

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is a signatory in the Ottawa Treaty, the delegation wish to see more nation parties being inclusive to the treaty, by destroying its stockpile of anti personnel mines within four years. The delegation strongly encourages non-signatory countries involving in landmine production to join the treaty and fulfill the treaty obligations. At the same time, if signatories are unable to carry out the obligation to conduct mine clearance, it is valuable to take the Afghanistan as an example through implementing a coherent plan by exercising effective protocols on demining, educating local population and finally provide extra rehabilitation efforts for the individuals injured by landmines.


ArgentinaAfter the tragic result of the Falkland War that happened in 1982, our nation,

Argentina, recognized the responsibility to destruct over 15,600 mines that still remained on the island. Argentines were actively involved in the prohibition and destruction of anti-personnel mines. Our nation signed the Mine Ban Treaty on December 4, 1997 and ratified the Convention of the United Nations on the prohibition of the use, stock piling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and their destruction in 1999. Since then, a total of 99,968 mines have been destroyed. Today, we continue to act upon our commitments to strive towards a safer and more harmonious global community.


AustraliaSince the creation of anti-personnel mines, these mines have been posting threats

towards innocent human lives during wars and after. Anti-personnel mines are a form of land mines designed to use against soldiers. They are designed to injure, not kill, but often killing people after the explosion. Those who survived would be permanently disabled, along with the other inconvenience from economically, socially and psychologically.

The Ottawa Convention in 1997 is the convention on the prohibition of the use of stock piling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and on their destruction. This convention bans the production and use of any anti-personnel mines. The Ottawa Convention was launched in 1999, with now 156 states become party to this convention.

Australia has declared its participation to the Ottawa Convention with great support. It is to Australia’s understanding that this convention does not include mines that are exploded without any presence of a person. Furthermore, the term “use” means the actual physical emplacement of anti-personnel mines. In keeping with Australia’s obligation under the Ottawa Convention, The Australian Defense Force has destroyed Australia’s stockpile of anti-personnel mines. The Australian Government encourages countries, which did not sign to do so quickly, with the aim of making the Convention universal.

Proposal: Landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war remain a

significant barrier to development in many of the world's poorest countries. These devices kill and injure civilians long after war and conflict has ended and undermine the economic potential of affected areas.Australia is now working with partner countries on its implementation. Lao PDR, a country severely affected by cluster munitions, received funding from Australia to enable it to take a lead role in mobilising support for the convention.

Since November 2009, Australia has launched its new Mine Action Strategy for the Australian aid program 2010–2014 with a $100 million commitment to work towards a world free from landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. The strategy builds on the $175 million Australia has contributed to mine action over the previous 12 years.We believe that safely handling, removing and destroying all types of unexploded ordnance, including sub-munitions, mortar shells, artillery rounds, grenades and white phosphorous, and promoting the prohibition of anti-national mines will help with the development of poorer countries and prevent innocent civilians from injuries.


BrazilBrazil strongly supports the prohibition of the stockpiling, production, and the

usage of landmines in active warfare. Brazil completed destruction of its stockpiled mines in January 2003, ahead of the October 2003 deadline. It is retaining 16,545 antipersonnel mines for training, the highest number of any State Party. Brazil has made important interpretive statements on antivehicle mines with sensitive fuzes and antihandling devices, joint military operations with non-States Parties, and foreign stockpiling and transit of antipersonnel mines. Brazil has participated in international humanitarian mine action efforts on a bilateral and multilateral basis; 60 percent of military officers serving with the MARMINCA demining program in Central America between 1994 and 2003 were Brazilian. Brazil signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 3 December 1997, ratified on 30 April 1999, and the treaty entered into force on 1 October 1999. Brazil voted in favor of UN General Assembly resolution 54/54B supporting the Mine Ban Treaty in December 1999, as it had for similar resolutions in 1997 and 1998. Landmind monitor has found no evidence of any AP mine use in brazil. Brazil strongly condemns those countries who support the use of landmines in active warfare and encourages countries to undertake the solution of the destruction of the stockpile of landmines to eliminate this form of warfare.


ChinaThe people’s republic of china expresses its support for humanitarian issues in

the field of arms control. We strongly endorse its objectives, and appreciate the humanitarian spirit it reflects. China is committed in taking further steps to further fulfill its obligations under the convention on certain conventional weapons (CCW) and its protocols. China is currently a committed active member in the work of the Group of Governmental Experts (GCE) on cluster munitions.China has shown a strong assurance to this issue. Since 0209, we have sent delegations to participate in international humanitarian de mining assistance. It has held de mining courses for Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan and Sri Lanka, and provided Peru and Ethiopia with mine victim assistance. As of 2010 we have donated over half a million dollars to support these actions. China would like to note that in the past few years, it has continually voted in favor in the UN< for the universalization and full implementation of the mine ban treaty.Finally, China would like to re iterate the need for international cooperation in moving forward to resolve this land mine issue.


Democratic People’s Republic of KoreaNorth Korea while acknowledging and fully supporting the humanitarian aspect

of the efforts to eradicate the use and stockpiling of AP mines is not a signatory to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Neither are we a party to the Convention on Conventional Weapons. DPRK supports the humanitarian purposes and nature of the treaty, however the complex security situation in the Korean peninsula, in particular the korean demilitarized zone, have simply proved unsuitable for the DPRK to sign onto the convention. AP mines have been placed by the DPRK in the demilitarized zone for security reasons but have not been placed anywhere else in the country.

Furthermore, the implementation of such a treaty in the region cannot be accomplished without the full support of our neighbour, the Republic of Korea; support that has so far been lacking. In the current transitional situation, the security issues are far to large for DPRK to accede to the convention, therefore if the convention remains in its current state, DPRK will have to remain an non-signatory to the convention and remain detached from engaging in the issue. Nevertheless, DPRK provides both medical and rehabilitation support for both civilian and military causalities as a result of any AP mines in the region as an extension of our program for the disabled.

Currently our main focuses are on both retaining and further stabilising the Korean Peninsula and fully supporting our new supreme leader, Kim Jong Un, trusting that under his great leadership North Korea will reach new heights of glory.


FranceFrance remains committed to helping countries rid their stockpiles on anti-

personnel mines. In accordance with the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, we have in 1999, destroyed all our stockpiles of anti-personnel mines and it is our belief that all other nations that have not already done so should do the same. Landmines do not discriminate and they remain planted in the ground, years, even decades after a conflict has ended. They cause the unprovoked loss of life and limb in innocent civilians and are devastating to the developing economies in which they are laid in. The problem will only worsen if it is not dealt with and we believe in the necessity for large scale, international cooperation to rid the world of this scourge.


GermanyGermany is a member of the Ottawa treaty or the Anti Personnel Mine Ban

Convention, aims at eliminating anti-personnel landmines (AP-mines) around the world. Anti personnel landmines kills and injures thousands of innocent people every year. Germany has been the original member of the Ottawa treaty since 1997 along with other 90 members working towards a landmine free world. What Germany and the ICBL (International campaign to Ban Landmines) aim toward is a landmine free world. Antipersonnel landmines still maim and kill ordinary people every day. They blow off their victims' limbs and when they fire shrapnel into their victim’s body or face, they kill. The majority of them are civilians 85% of casualties from landmines are inflicted on civilians.

Germany believes that every country have a duty to ban landmine and make the world mine-free. Banning landmines increases peace and security and can be a valuable peace-building tool. For example, Greece and Turkey, both long-term rivals with border disputes used their shared commitment to joining the Mine Ban Treaty as a confidence building measure. We urge nations that have not already done so to join the Ottawa treaty and end the use on anti-personnel landmine. Only when no more mines threaten people’s safety and when no more mines are produce, trade and use then our objective would have been met.


GreeceGreece has taken a big step to eliminate anti-personnel landmines. Parliament

finally voted on March 20 to ratify the Ottawa Treaty banning the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of these mines.

Greece signed the treaty in December 1997. Since then, mine removal has been carried out along the northern border with Albania, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria, where an estimated 400,000 mines and unexploded ordnance lay hidden since the Greek Civil War and the Cold War.

"Greece finally ratified the Ottawa Treaty, but this was not easy," Theo Rosenberg, president of Doctors of the World-Greece, told the Athens News. "It is the persistent effort of many activists, many non-governmental organisations and public opinion that pressured Greece to ratify the treaty and to finally clear all the minefields from the Evros border, where many people, mainly refugees and asylum seekers have been killed and wounded. Doctors of the World has stood at the forefront of the struggle to ban landmines in Greece and to clear the last bastion of these horrid weapons. We must congratulate the defence minister [Yiannos Papantoniou] and the Greek parliament."

Rosenberg explained that the main reason Greece delayed the ratification of this treaty is that Turkey had not yet signed the convention. Greece, however, took the first step. "Not all the opinions [at the defence ministry] are in favour of ratification," he said. "Turkey has been the main argument against ratification, even though we have no evidence that Turkey has active landmines along its border area with Greece. Yet, Turkey has refused so far to sign the Ottawa Treaty. But now, there is no argument for Turkey not to sign and ratify this convention. We will continue to push and exert pressure on both sides."

In May 2001, the then defence minister Akis Tsochadzopoulos (now development minister) had stressed that the removal of anti-personnel mines would not undermine Greece's defence capability. Main opposition New Democracy deputy Yiannis Varvitsiotis (a former defence minister), however, said that these landmines were a shield against attacks by countries with large infantry divisions, such as Turkey. Varvitsiotis blasted the Pasok government for offering the landmine removal as a one-sided effort to improve relations with neighbouring Turkey.


"From the moment of ratification there is a period of time, as long as several years, in order to complete the clearing procedure and to destroy the mines in stock," Marouda told the Athens News. "This will take some time. We do not know exactly when removal will start in Evros, but this is of secondary importance. What is most important is that the treaty was ratified and that clearing has already started in other parts.


IndiaThe Republic of India appreciates the gravity of the situation, and would like to

emphasize the problem of non-governmental organizations stockpiling mines for use in terror attacks against civilian populations, with horrific effects. We hope that the conference today will be productive and lead to a solution to the problem of antipersonnel landmines, one that takes into account both the impacts of these weapons and the defense concerns of member states. Only by reaching a common consensus can concrete action be taken. Thank you.


IranHonorable chair and fellow delegates, as a nation that has accepted and aided

well over 3 million refuges, the Islamic Republic of Iran would like to take this opportunity to urge all member states to sincerely come forward with viable plans of action. We urge all delegates to put aside selfish political gains in order to advert this growing issue and to aid those people who suffer because of your irrational actions. While we recognize that there may be national issues that will arise during the discussion, we call upon all delegates to put aside stereotypes and to be more open in setting their policies in order to help the refugees and displaced people. Iran looks forward to a constructive and helpful debate not marred by a political agenda and with those in need of aid our first priority.


IrelandAnti-personnel mines are a threat to the safety of innocent civilians in areas

where mines have been planted. Land mines claim about 800 lives monthly and maim thousands more. There are over 110 million mines in 64 countries to date. The Anti-personnel mine ban convention has been established to do away with landmines in a number of countries. However, many major countries such as China, Russia and USA have not yet accepted this treaty. Ireland calls for all nations to accept this convention to ban and stop the use of anti-personnel mines. We strongly discourage the possession of landmines, and stress that current stockpiles of such mines must be destroyed. Abolishing landmines from the face of this earth does not do any country harm. On the contrary, continued production, sales and possession will affect the peace and stability of the world by causing dissent among nations.

Ireland remains adamant in this matter of stopping the possession, sales and production of anti-personnel mines.


ItalyThe Italian Republic sees that thousands of people are still suffering from

landmines planted decades ago all over the world in countries as varied as Vietnam and Ethiopia. We also unfortunately see many countries refusing to ratify or sign this convention and continuing in some cases to use these weapons which indiscriminately harm civilians worldwide. These actions not only run directly contrary to the Ottawa Treaty, but are clearly out of touch with the times in which we live.

As one of the 159 states party to this treaty, the Italian Republic would like to call on this body to take firm and resolute action to ensure that the global community adheres to this treaty and cease the use of landmines for all practical purposes once and for all.

Firstly, we would like to call for an immediate halt to landmines production by all signatories of this treaty. The Italian government also sees the need for signatories to reduce military exchanges with non-signatories until they ratify the Convention and adhere to its terms. We also see a need for the gradual destruction for all landmines in the possession by any states to ensure that they are not improperly used so as to lead the death or maiming of innocent civilians.

Secondly, the Italian government sees the need to render the use of landmines a crime under international law on par with other crimes against humanity. We see that the fundamental use of landmines is to terrify and harm civilians and that its military benefits, while considerable in earlier eras are minimal at best in the 21st century. Therefore, the Italian Republic sees that such an action would send a strong message to states that the use of landmines is no longer legal and would result in international sanctions and condemnation, thus moving them towards ratifying and implementing the Ottawa Treaty

Thirdly, we see an imperative to offer incentives for those 37 UN member states which have not yet ratified this convention to do so as soon as possible. Therefore, we would like to ask this honourable body to establish an international fund to pay for the purchase of the existing landmine stocks and the dismantling of production plants of any states at the current market price so as to offer an additional incentive for such states to give up their action. We would also offer immediate financial and technical aid if any states were to become the victims of landmines in future whether such actions are committed by sovereign states or non-state actors. The Italian government is also willing to call for a blanket amnesty for any damages caused by landmines in the past provided the governments concerned cease the usage, stockpiling and production of landmines at once. Finally, we would like to call on the United Nations as well as all other member states and international organizations to directly link international aid to the ratification and implementation of this treaty. Thus, states which take the right step would receive practical support from the international community while those which refuse to do so would face sanctions and punishment.

The Italian Republic is committed to making this world a safer place, a world where civilians are protected by laws and treaties even during times of war. But in order to do so, we need your help. Therefore, I urge you to join with us and eliminate this barbaric instrument of warfare once and for all.


Japan Japan, as a prosperous country in many areas, believes strongly that human rights should be advocated worldwide. There have been conflicts occurring around the world such as human rights issues caused not only by others but also by the natures’ laws and by history long ago.

Mining is weaponry, used in wars. This goes completely against the peace and stability we, today as a leading country, are standing up for. If a mine did explode in present day killing numerous people, it would only cause renewed tension.

In 1997, Japan signed the Mine Ban Treaty and we decided to contribute a total sum of ten billion Japanese yen to fund for the clearing of mines and helping out the victims. We believe that it is right to place a ban in these antipersonnel landmines. Japan was the forty fifth nation to approve and ratify the official mine ban policies. We think that this is an international issue and more support should be brought in from different areas around the globe for the efforts made by the United Nations.


KenyaThe Republic of Kenya is a proud member of the Ottawa Treaty signed by the

international community in 1997 seeking to ban the use, production and sale of landmines. As a nation which has never produced or dealt with the illicit sale of such weapons, Kenya is a staunch advocate of the treaty and continues to condemn those who fail to abide by this norm of international law.

Furthermore, as a nation which sadly suffers from the problem of unexploded devices on our borders with Somalia and the new nation of South Sudan, we are highly aware of the atrocious nature of such weapons. Landmines are indiscriminate, and globally have killed more civilians in than military personnel in legitimate warfare. Kenya supports the status of the indiscriminate use of mines as a war crime under the Geneva Conventions and the laws of war.

However, though the Ottawa Treaty has been extremely successful in gaining signatories, beyond the realm of the law it remains a fact that many nations continue to use and in some cases produce land mines. In the spirit of humanity, The Republic of Kenya calls for the international community to bring this issue to the fore, and for greater cooperation in ridding the world of landmines for all time. To do this, we identify three key areas: States, Law and the role of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

With regards to States, we believe that nations have an active obligation to remove landmines from their soil, to destroy stockpiles and to prosecute those who may illegally seek to continue their production or hinder their destruction. We call for states who are already signatories to the Ottawa Treaty to fulfill the clauses of the treaty, and call upon those states which have not yet signed the convention to come forward and ratify the treaty within their legal systems. Only with the full commitment of governments and the international community can we hope to defeat the scourge of landmines.

More specifically, we believe that even developing nations and nations which are currently engaged in conflict have responsibilities to destroy existing minefields and to refrain from deploying more. The death toll of civilians killed by landmines is unacceptable in the developing world, and efforts need to be taken to identify and disarm them. Kenya calls upon the African Union and the South African Development Community to cooperate in the disarmament of minefields in Angola, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; calls upon both Syria and Israel to de-mine the Golan Heights and calls for cooperation in the Middle East to disarm the minefields laid during the Iraq-Iran war. Though these are but a few of the affected regions, we believe that these specifically represent a huge humanitarian threat, and actively impede the peace processes the international community is attempting to realize in these areas.

Secondly, the Republic of Kenya believes that we need to further deter those irresponsible agents which may continue to use landmines, be they regimes of pariah states or non-state actors in conflict with nations. We call for the amendment of the Rome Statute, to add the deliberate widespread use of landmines as a crime against humanity, chargeable by the International Criminal Court. Furthermore, we believe that the Ottawa treaty should be reaffirmed in the United Nations, and negotiations held to expand ratification and entice further signatories. This is in particular aimed at countries which are capable of yet unwilling to address their landmine stockpiles and usage. Kenya calls forth all countries to be open about their landmine policy, and to respect the rule international law.


Finally, Kenya calls for the increased recognition of NGOs which aim at landmine disarmament. We applaud the cooperation between NGOs and national governments in cases such as Uganda and Cambodia in their efforts to demine their lands, and stress the important nature of NGOs in aiding the international community to achieve its aim of ridding the world of landmines. These NGOs should be supported and aided in their attempts. Furthermore, other NGOs which specifically aim to support the victims of landmines also deserve to be supported, and Kenya expresses its distinct approval of charitable efforts in this area.

The world can rid itself of landmines, even though this can only be achieved through concerted international commitment and active efforts on behalf of all involved actors. The Republic of Kenya sincerely hopes that this commitment can be realized, and that the world can make a start on the road to total landmine disarmament.


NigeriaAnti-personnel weapons are designed to attacking structures or vehicles and

especially against humans. They were made and used since its discovery. These mines can be can be classified into blast mines or fragmentation mines depending on their function and size. Anti-personnel mines are often designed to injure but no to the kill. They are simultaneously deployed over a large area of land. This can be done manually or by dispensers of from helicopter and aircraft. They have been a major part of many of the wars across the globe for example world war two.

The federal of Nigeria understands the global crisis of stockpiling, production and transfer of these anti-personnel mines. As we recognize these anti-personnel mines as a dangerous and extremely life threatening weapon, and it is a long-term risk not only to humans but also to precious wildlife. Any movement above the weight of five kilograms within a couple of kilometers triggers these anti-personnel mines. Nigeria is a country that is not known to produced or exported any anti-personnel mines. But the past of the Nigerian history, there have been civil wars that made use of these weapons. But the government have strictly banned the use of anti-personnel mines soon after these wars, we have destroyed all the anti-personnel mine remains after 1970. The government has left none of these ‘dangerous weapons’ for training or development unlike other countries that do so.

Nigeria is a country very supportive of the global action of prohibition of anti-personnel mines. As we had signed the Ottawa treaty in 1997 and in 1999 the government of Nigeria has adopted the International Mine Ban Treaty banning the use and stockpiling of these anti-personnel mines.

The government of the Nigeria had a massive clearance over 11 states of Nigeria to track and prohibition the illegal use of anti-personnel mines. We have survey over 150,000 square of land. We have found a total of 820 anti-personnel mines and 325 anti-vehicle mines also with 17,516 of other illegal explosives. All of these explosives found have been destroy by the government and this rise warns to the citizens on the harms of this anti-personnel mines.

Nigeria can now declare that it is free of all types of anti-personnel mines. We will still continue to work and assist with other countries to stop all the prohibition of anti-personnel mines.


RussiaAs a former member of the USSR, Russia has a lot of old, unused weaponry,

including vast amounts of AP landmines. We reiterate that our country cannot accede at the moment due to the military utility of antipersonnel mines, the lack of viable alternatives, and the financial difficulties in destroying its large stockpile within four years. Complete destruction of these weapons or storage in warehouses requires space and money. Space for storing them in warehouses then brings in detonation experts, explosive to destroy them and maintenance which in turn require more money and frankly speaking, Russia is lacking in funds to support such a costly project.

Despite the fact that Russia is a non-signatory of the Treaty, it has still published figures to the public and made great progress with its elimination of landmines. Our Minister of Defense gave a figure of 26.5 million antipersonnel mines in our stockpiles, with approximately 23.5 million of these antipersonnel mines destroyed between 2005-2015. At the Tenth Meeting of States Parties, we have also already declared that we have destroyed 10 million mines, including antipersonnel mines. Finally last year, we gave a report that more than 464,000 antipersonnel mines that did not meet international requirements were also destroyed.

Although, we as the Russian Federation acknowledge the problems land mines poses on our citizens namely the casualties and fatalities suffered. Nonetheless, we maintain our stance as a non-signatory to the Ottawa Treaty because of its opaqueness and inefficiency. Even countries that have signed and ratified such as Botswana and Angola, still remain heavily mined and false reports still given. These examples reflect the current treaty as outdated and impractical. Therefore, what Russia encourages is a renewal of this treaty in which transparency should increase with more honesty, decreased corruption, funding or aid, sharing of facilities and technology internationally, the act of compromising and an attempt to include most if not all the member states on a global scale.


Saudi ArabiaKing Abdullah and his kingdom support our brothers in the west and therefore

see the implementation of the convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines crucial for future world peace. The prevention of future production of landmines is needed in order to (Allah be willing) protect our brothers, and our future sons of Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia however sees the destruction of existing stockpiles of anti personnel mines unnecessary and sees it as a security risk for the sons of our nation. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia instead advises countries with existing stockpiles to attend to them at their own discretion.


SingaporeAnti-personnel mines are only still being produced, stockpiled, used etc in three-

dozen countries. Although Singapore is one of the non-signatories of the Convention on the Prohibition of The Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, it does not mean that Singapore entirely encourages the use of anti-personnel mines.

Singapore believes that all members of the United Nation share a mutual goal to create and maintain safety, peace and security in the global community. However, destroying all anti-personnel mines will not guarantee peace, safety or security for the globe. It is unnecessary to cease all productions and developments of anit-personnel mines and destroy all stockpiles of anti-personnel mines.

The humanitarian concerns relating to antipersonnel mines should be balanced against the United States’ lawful rights to use munitions for self defense. Similar to the United States, Singapore is continuing to produce and store anti-personnel mines purely for self defense and for the safeguard of all the citizens of Singapore.

Singapore believes it is unnecessary to eliminate and destroy all anti‐personnel mines. However, we will continue to support international efforts to resolve humanitarian concerns over antipersonnel landmines. Singapore will also work with the global community to find a more durable and global solution.


SwitzerlandEven with our permanently neutral status since year 1291, Switzerland strongly

support the banning of land mines. We have history of producing antipersonnel land mine, however, we never exported any. Signing Mine Ban Treaty in 1997, we are considered among the first countries to ban landmines. Currently, we have no possession of antipersonnel mines for any purposes, after destroying 3.86 million stockpile in 1999. Switzerland served as leading roles of international conferences relevant to mine demolition in the past decade, such as Standing Committees on Stockpile Destruction, Victim Assistance and Mine Clearance. Our participation for the issue is purely humanitarian-based to reduce victims of landmines. For this belief, our highly independent Swiss Army will destroy any munitions subject to banning regulation of Convention on Cluster Munitions. We strongly encourage international community to utilize opportunities outside destructive mining industries for economic sustainment and employment. Furthermore, we encourage member states to prohibit convention of land mines for environmental and safety factors, and we are willing to assist any member state to establish this transition for world peace.


United Arab EmiratesOver the past 50 years, new research has clearly shown the harmful effects of

land mines, in particular, anti-personnel (AP) mines. It is believed that AP mines have caused more casualties than nuclear and chemical weapons combined. In the late 1980s, the United Nations has declared that land mines pose a huge humanitarian crisis. As of today, 158 countries have ratified or acceded to the Ottawa Treaty.

The UAE believes that it would be a dream come true to have a landmine-free world, and this utopia requires a lot of hard work with many countries contributing. While joining the treaty has not been a priority for the UAE, we express our support for the treaty in principle and look into accession to the treaty in the near future. The UAE also prides itself in its mine-banning efforts and the destruction of mines, for example funding US $500 million to assist in the clearance of landmines from southern Lebanon. The UAE does not stockpile, make, use or transfer AP mines. Other recognizable efforts of the UAE in mine-banning include its role as party to the Convention on Conventional Weapons, which is a symbol of its proactive stance on the matter of AP mines.

UAE advocates the importance of importance of international cooperation in tackling this issue. The use of anti-personnel mines result in endless suffering and casualties. They kill or severely injure hundreds of people a week, with most of them being civilians or children.

Thus, with the protection of civilians in mind, the UAE is in favor of all pro-ban resolutions and calls for joint universal action in implementing mine bans.


United KingdomThe United Kingdom, recognizing the danger of anti-personnel land mines,

firmly supports the Ottawa Treaty. The United Kingdom has ratified the treaty, has destroyed all of her APL stockpiles, and has banned the production and use of land mines. The United Kingdom has also provided financial and humanitarian aid to other nations to clear mined areas, and hopes that such actions will serve as an example for fellow states.

The United Kingdom proposes a three-fold solution to land mine use:Firstly, the Ottawa Treaty must be implemented globally. In order to make such a

transition, weapons that do not have the negative residual effects of APL’s must be developed.

Secondly, nations must collaborate with NGO’s to clear mined areas and provide aid to mine victims.

Finally, to prevent further casualties, education must be provided for civilians living near potentially mined areas regarding land mine recognition and removal.

The United Kingdom pledges to remain steadfast in her position regarding anti-personnel land mines, and hopes that an international agreement can be reached.


United States of AmericaAlthough much has already been done to rid the world of the AP-mines that pose

a threat to civilian lives all over the world, the issue remains one of upmost importance to resolve. Abandoned landmines all over the world are the cruel remnants from times of war, which unjustly stretches into the present by posing daily threats to innocent civilians. Persistent AP-mines do not just harm individuals but societies as a whole. Families are maimed, land rendered unusable and the infrastructure is devastated. All are factors that severely impair the opportunities for any society to develop and progress beyond the cause of conflict.

The United States of America has already taken important steps and is proud to be the single largest financial contributor in the efforts to remove and destroy AP-mines all over the world. The United States of America has, as of December 2010, begun the demilitarization of its entire stockpile of AP-mines. Although every digit in the figure is still one digit too many, the United States of America is also pleased to see that its financial efforts have helped to bring down the number of casualties from 15.000 per year to 4.000 per year. In 2010 the United States of America spent $201 million in a total of 49 countries to remove and destroy abandoned AP-mines. The United States of America is proud to have cleared 80.000 square kilometers of AP-mine contaminated land in Afghanistan and played a key role in declaring Central America the first ever region in the world to be of “Mine Impact Free Status”. In addition to practical assistance, the USA has undertaken a range of humanitarian initiatives to re-integrate the victims of AP-mines back into their societies, such as establishing sports-clubs for disabled Bosnians and helping Afghan handicraft enterprises blossom.

It should be clear that the United States of America firmly stands by anyone who wishes to work together towards the eradication of all AP-mines in a nuanced manner, while taking into consideration the intricacies of such a task. Due to its unique responsibilities towards the issue of the demilitarized zone in Korea, the United States of America cannot join a treaty that would disturb the current balance, but supports the spirit of the convention as it has proven repeatedly by voluntarily submitting data on stockpiles. The United States of America therefore urges all involved members to respect the need for certain special circumstances until a feasible alternative has been presented and contribute to the development of a such. The United States of America is proud to have been at the front of limiting the damage of AP-mines and sees a worldwide ban on the export of mines as a natural step to take from here on the road to peace, development and progress.


Documents

SOCHUM Topic 1 Position Papers