PH raises concern over terrorists’ use of landmines at annual Meeting of States Parties to Mine Ban Treaty
Third Secretary Jonelle John S. Domingo, Philippine delegate at the 18th Meeting of States Parties held virtually from Geneva, Switzerland on 19 November 2020
GENEVA 24 November 2020 – The Philippines called for the strengthening of a normative framework under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) to address the continued use of mines by armed non-state actors during the 18th Meeting of States Parties (MSP) held virtually on 19 November 2020.
Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Third Secretary Jonelle John S. Domingo represented the Philippines in the said meeting. He affirmed the country’s full commitment to the APMBC and its vision of a mine-free world by 2025, “even as we address threats from armed non-state actors that continue to indiscriminately use weapons in violation of [the treaty’s] principles.”
Third Secretary Domingo also expressed support for “global initiatives to address the social and development challenges posed by mines, including through robust international cooperation and assistance” under the APMBC. He also cited Philippine participation in the activities of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus’ Expert Working Group (EWG) on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA).
In its engagement with the treaty’s activities, the Philippines has consistently stressed the importance of strong national ownership of mine action, including reducing the affected states’ reliance on foreign technical expertise, and the centrality of mine victims in the treaty’s work on clearance and risk education. Likewise, the Philippines champions the balanced participation of women and men in these activities.
Signed in 1997, the APMBC, otherwise known as the Mine Ban Treaty, prohibits the use of landmines due to their destructive and indiscriminate effects on civilians and communities. Its states parties meet every year to discuss the treaty’s promotion and implementation. The Philippines ratified the treaty in 2000, two years after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) completed the destruction of its landmines stockpile. END
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