Objectives of the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining—Regional Coordinator for the GICHD, Simon Berger

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Mr. Berger began his presentation by stressing that states affected by mines and other ordnance have the central responsibility for carrying out mine action in their countries. However, he also pointed out that the international community is obligated to assist as much as possible in reducing the risk posed by these weapons.

Mr. Berger then described the GICHD's objectives and its role in the mine action community, which includes focusing on the following aspects:

• Mine risk education
• Humanitarian demining
• Victim assistance
• Stockpile destruction

• Facilitating the stigmatization of the use of mines and the total prohibition of anti-personnel mines.

In order to cover the above aspects of mine action, Mr. Berger explained, the GICHD works in the following areas:

• Operational assistance
• Research and studies

• Support to the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention) and other international rights instruments.

Mr. Berger concluded his presentation with a brief discussion of the GICHD's Regional Support Center in Managua, Nicaragua.