ADDRESSING KEY CHALLENGES TO MEETING CLEARANCE DEADLINES UNDER THE MINE BAN CONVENTION AND CONVENTION ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS Presentation by the African Union Commission 5-7 March, 2013

Work done by the AUC The Commission has provided forums for experience sharing through meetings of experts from Member States. The Commission is finalizing procurement of demining equipment and body amour for the Member States that have requested. The Commission has facilitated Mine Action support to AMISOM and African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) TCCs, including planning and training.

Towards a landmine-free Africa AUC Vision is drawn from relevant elements out of the Conferences of Member States Experts as follows: First Conference held May 1997 at Kempton Park, SA, adopted a Plan of Action that committed the Member States to the elimination of all anti-personnel landmines in Africa and the establishment of the continent as an Anti-Personnel Landmine-Free Zone. This was endorsed by the 66th Ordinary Session of the OAU Council of Ministers held in Harare, Zimbabwe, in May Second, held September 2004 in Addis Ababa. Developed a common African position in preparation for the First Review Conference of the MBT, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 29 November to 3 December 2004 This common position was endorsed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs / External Relations of the AU Member States in New York in September 2004 The Third meeting held September 2009 developed a draft Common Position.

Action points The Commission to propose a resolution for the Assembly to encourage MS to take the necessary steps to accede to the Mine Ban Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions; Encourage MS to share with the Commission their reports on the implementation of the Conventions; Encourage mine affected States to share their needs with the Commission; With the support of partners, establish a database to enable a continental approach to update on current status of affected Member States;

Action Points Cont’ Use the AU organs, and in partnership with the international community, including civil society, to work to deny non-state actors access to landmines in observance of international law. In this regard, the Commission to ensure that the issues of landmines are raised in AU conflict resolution processes, peace agreements, and peace support operations; Facilitate inter/intra African co-operation through exchange of expertise, experience and equipment; Support MS with Resource Mobilization – financial and technical – in the identified areas; Raising international awareness on the plight of landmines on the African continent by giving regular reports to the AU organs- PSC, Summit;

Action points cont’ Encourage Member States to increase resources allocated for meeting the physical, psychological and economic needs of mine victims, and to improve capacity to deal with mine injuries through campaigns at national, regional, continental and international levels. Work with stakeholders to develop the capacities of training centres in the continent so that they can be used by Member States. Work with the Regional Economic Communities to follow- up the implementation of the planned activities. Request the Chairperson of the Commission appoint a goodwill Ambassador as part of the AU campaign against landmines.

Way forward The Commission has contacted 14 of the most affected countries to indicate areas in which they need support. A few responses have been received. It is hoped that other countries will submit their responses after this meeting. Based on responses received, and inputs from the discussions in this forum, the Commission will finalize a work plan to liaise with member states and stakeholders to mobilize and provide assistance as requested. As part of its communication strategy, the Commission will establish contact with focal persons on mine action in the Member States. Work with the media in Member States to raise awareness with the general public.

Mine Clearance Work with partners to mobilize support for mine clearance Support capacity building in mine clearance for Member States Provide platforms for sharing experiences in mine clearance Continue to work with Partners to provide demining equipment, to Member States

Victim Assistance Encourage Member States to ensure Vitim assistance programs to survivors is nationalized Work with partners, including civil society organizations, to support to Member States address the different needs for medical, psychological and physical rehabilitation for mine survivors Support Member States in socioeconomic reintegration of mine survivors

Mine Risk Education Work with Member States to commemorate International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 4 April every year; Support MS to Produce and distribute promotional materials (installation of billboard, leaflets, and posters); Support Member States to integrate victim assistance and MRE in referral and psychological support services, and the collection of information about survivors.

Stockpile destruction Work with MS for landmine stockpile destruction as part of the broader assistance in Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) strategies.