ICBL Intervention: Regional Planning and Priority Setting—Landmine Monitor Research Coordinator, Mr. Charlie Avendaño

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Mr. Avendaño began by thanking the hosts of the conference and congratulating Guyana for ratifying the Mine Ban Treaty on 5 August 2003 and Costa Rica for becoming the first mine-affected State Party to be declared mine free, in December 2002. He encouraged countries in the Americas to continue to work towards fulfilling their treaty obligations, including the implementation of national legislation. He also called for the United States and Cuba to sign the treaty and for Haiti to ratify it.

Mr. Avendaño reminded participants that, according to Article 7 of the Treaty, States Parties must submit transparency reports. He also urged non-state actors in Colombia to discontinue their use of mines and for that country to begin mine clearance and mine risk education campaigns.

In addition to the above topics, Mr. Avendaño discussed the following issues as they relate to mine action in the Americas:

• Stockpile destruction
• Mines kept for training purposes
• Funding
• Clearance
• Planning and Coordination
• Mine risk education
• Survivor assistance

Lastly, Mr. Avendaño praised the worldwide ICBL-government partnerships that have been effective in ensuring proper implementation of the Treaty and stressed that the promises of the Mine Ban Treaty could not be fulfilled without sustained and increased commitment from both governments and non-governmental organizations.