International Committee of the Red Cross—Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, Mr. Philippe Gaillard

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Mr. Gaillard began by describing the ICRC and its mandate, which "consists of protecting the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence, as well as offering these victims assistance." He emphasized the ICRC's commitment to the Ottawa Convention and congratulated Guyana on its recent ratification of the Convention. Additionally, he commended Costa Rica for becoming the first State to be declared completely demined and recognized Colombia's commitment to the Convention despite still experiencing internal conflict.

Mr. Gaillard then discussed the successes of the Ottawa Convention as well as some of the challenges. He also called for all States Parties to uphold their obligations as outlined by the Convention, in particular in regards to stockpile destruction. Considering the next five years to be a critical time period for the Convention, he urged States to increase their commitment to mine action and encouraged those needing help in developing their mine action programs to request the assistance of the United Nations.

To conclude his presentation, Mr. Gaillard discussed the ICRC's activities in the following categories:

1. Assistance and support in the areas of health (first aid, hospital assistance, surgical and medical assistance) to those injured in the war, including the victims of anti-personnel mines and UXO.
2. Executing and supporting physical rehabilitation projects, benefiting people with disabilities as a consequence of war, including victims of antipersonnel mines and UXO.
3. Execution and support of mine risk education programs, to reduce the dangers in affected communities
4. Promotion for the compliance with the Ottawa Convention and support to those governments to ensure implementation.