Summary

The meeting was officially opened by the Nineteenth Meeting of the States Parties (19MSP) President, H.E. Robbert Jan Gabriëlse, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva, and Disarmament Ambassador at-large.

A high-level ceremonial opening ceremony featured a musical performance by Gaidaa and messages delivered by representatives of the Government of the Netherlands by representatives of organisations that have historically played a role in the Convention.

Opening Act:

High-level opening speakers:  video |  statements

  • H.E. Tom de Bruijn, Minister for Trade and Development of the Netherlands
  • HRH Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al Hussein of Jordan, Convention’s Special Envoy
  • H.E. Kitty van der Heijden Vice-Minister for International Cooperation of the Netherlands
  • Ms Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
  • Mr  Gerard Quinn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  • Mr Gilles Carbonnier, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
  • Mr Moaffak Alkhfaji, Director of the Iraqi Disability Alliance, on behalf of mine survivors
  • Mr Steve Goose, Executive Director, Human Rights Watch's (HRW) Arms Division, on behalf of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL)
  • Ms Barbara Haering, President of the Council of Foundation of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

In keeping with past practice, the eight outgoing members of the Committees were elected as Vice-Presidents of the 18MSP, namely: Colombia, Germany, Norway, Panama, Poland, Sweden, Thailand, and Zambia.

H.E. Marriett Schuurman, Director of the Department for Stabilization and Humanitarian Aid of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, was confirmed as the Secretary-General of the 19MSP.

The States Parties adopted the programme of work for the 19MSP.

The Vice Minister for International Cooperation of the Netherlands H.E. Kitty van der Heijden led the panel discussion on localisation, “Strengthening localisation through capacity building and inclusion: from rhetoric to concerted action". Localisation is often defined as a process where international humanitarian actors shift power and responsibilities toward local and national actors. 

Featured panellist included,

  • Ms Martha Hurtado, Coordinator of the Programme for Comprehensive Action Against Anti-Personnel Mines of Colombia
  • Mr Beng Conny Akerblom, Programme Officer, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB)
  • Ms Smruti Patel, Founder and Co-Director of the Global Mentoring Initiative (GMI)
  • Dr  Ahmed Al Zubaidi, Director of Iraqi Health and Social Care Organization (IHSCO)
  • Mr Darren Cormack, Chief Executive Officer, Mines Advisory Group (MAG)

 Video (Monday) and Video (Friday Statements

The following delegations took the floor to deliver general statements:

  • States Parties: Namibia on behalf of the African Group, Algeria, Cambodia, Japan, European Union, Slovenia, Philippines, New Zealand, Mexico, Chile, Botswana (video), Venezuela, Norway, on behalf of the Gender Focal Points, and Brazil.
  • States not party: Syria, and India.

The following delegations submitted a written statement: Germany, Sweden, and Turkey.

 Video (Monday) and Video (Tuesday) |  Statements 

The following States Parties which had submitted requests for extensions of their Article 5 mine clearance deadlines presented their requests:

The Chair of the Committee on Article 5 Implementation introduced the analyses that had been prepared with respect to the requests submitted by Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia, and Turkey. 

Views were shared by the following delegations with respect to requests submitted by:

  • Cyprus: ICBL and Turkey.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo: ICBL and GICHD.
  • Guinea Bissau: ICBL.
  • Mauritania: ICBL, GICHD and France.
  • Nigeria: ICBL
  • Somalia: ICBL and GICHD.
  • Turkey: ICBL and GICHD.

Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia, and Turkey replied to comments that were made on their requests.

The Chair of the Committee on Article 5 Implementation shared comments on the situation of one State Party which has not submitted a request for extension: Eritrea.

Views were shared by the following delegations with respect to the situation of Eritrea: Norway, Canada, Mexico, ICBL, NPA

The Chair of the Committee on Article 5 Implementation delivered final remarks.

     Video (Tuesday) and video (Wednesday) |    Statements

The Chair of the Committee on Victim Assistance presented conclusions and recommendations related to the Committee’s mandate.

The following States Parties that have indicated that they are responsible for significant numbers of landmine survivors provided updates on steps they have taken to implement Actions #33 through #41 of the Oslo Action Plan: Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Iraq, Jordan, Mozambique, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tajikistan, Yemen, Uganda, Chad, Peru, El Salvador, Senegal, and Angola.

The following other delegations shared views or information on matters concerning victim assistance: European Union, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Algeria, and ICRC.

The following other delegations shared views or information on matters concerning victim assistance: ICBL, HI, on behalf of the Gender and Diversity Working Group and UNMAS, on behalf of the UN-IACG.

The following delegations submitted a written statement on victim assistance: Chile, Croatia, and Sweden.

The Chair of the Committee on Victim Assistance delivered concluding remarks. The incoming Chair of the Committee presented the Committee’s priorities for next year

   Video (Wednesday) and video (Thursday) |    Statements 

The Chair of the Committee on Article 5 Implementation presented conclusions and recommendations related to the Committee’s mandate.

The following States Parties which are still in the process of clearing mined areas provided updates on steps taken to implement Actions #18 through #27 of the Oslo Action Plan: Angola, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tajikistan, Colombia, Chad, Iraq, Serbia, South Sudan, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Ecuador and Peru.

The following other delegations shared views or information on matters concerning Article 5: Switzerland, European Union, Austria, Belgium, Poland, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Spain, Norway, Azerbaijan, Zambia, Ireland, France, ICRC, UNMAS, on behalf of the UN-IACG, ICBL on risk education, ICBL, IFRC, Norway, GICHD, NPA, NPA, on behalf of Mine Action Review and The Halo Trust, on behalf of the Gender and Diversity Working Group. On day two, Turkey, South Africa, South Africa, and GICHD on behalf of the EORE AG. 

The following delegations exerted their right of reply: Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Chair of the Committee on Article 5 Implementation delivered  concluding remarks. The incoming Chair of the Committee presented the Committee’s priorities for next year.

  Video |   Statements 

The Chair of the Committee on the Enhancement of Cooperation and Assistance presented conclusions and recommendations related to the Committee’s mandate.

The following delegations commented on steps they have taken to implement Actions #42 through #47 of the Oslo Action Plan: Cambodia, European Union, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, Finland, Sudan, Switzerland, Iraq, United Kingdom, Turkey, Serbia, Yemen, Colombia, France, Japan, Italy, Peru and Ecuador, Azerbaijan, ICBL, GICHD, ITF, The Halo Trust, MAG and NPA.

The following delegation submitted a written statement on cooperation and assistance: Chile

The Chair of the Committee on the Enhancement of Cooperation and Assistance delivered her concluding remarks. The incoming Chair of the Committee presented the Committee’s priorities for next year.

 Video  |    Statements 

The Chair of the Committee on Cooperative Compliance presented conclusions and recommendations related to the Committee’s mandate.

The following delegations provided an update or shared views on matters concerning cooperative compliance ongoing investigations or activities undertaken to ensure compliance in accordance with Article 9 of the Convention and Actions 48 to 50 of the Oslo Action Plan: Sudan, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Spain, Switzerland, ICBL and ICRC.

The Chair of the Committee on Cooperative Compliance delivered his concluding remarks.

  Video |   Statements 

The President presented conclusions and recommendations on stockpile destruction.

Sri Lanka declared that it had completed the destruction of all its stockpiled anti-personnel mines in accordance with Article 4.

The following States Parties that are still in the process of destroying stockpiled anti-personnel mines, including previously unknown stockpiles, provided updates on their efforts to fulfil their stockpile destruction obligations: Greece and Ukraine.

The following other delegations shared views or information on matters concerning stockpile destruction: Indonesia and ICBL.

The following delegation submitted a written statement on stockpile destruction: Chile.

  Video |   Statements

The President provided an update on the status of universalization of the Convention.The following States not party shared views on the Convention and provided updates on steps being taken or considered to accede to the Convention: Republic of Korea, Morocco, and India.

The following other delegations shared views or provided updates on efforts taken to encourage universal acceptance of the Convention: Belgium, Germany, Indonesia, Philippines, ICRC, and ICBL.

  Video |   Statements 

The President presented an overview of the status of transparency and the exchange of information.

The following delegations provided updates and share views on transparency and exchange of information, including transparency as concerns mines retained for permitted purposes: Yemen, Japan, Mexico, and ICBL.

  Video |  Statements 

  • i. Report on the activities, functioning and finances of the ISU and presentation of a work plan and a budget for the 2022 activities of the ISU

The ISU Director presented the ISU 2022 work plan and budget and the 19MSP adopted this document.

In addition, the ISU Director presented the interim 2021 report on the activities and finances of the ISU and the ISU audited annual financial report for 2020. The 19MSP approved these documents.

The following delegations shared views on these matters: Spain and Belgium.

  • ii. Other matters concerning implementation support

The meeting considered a number of other matters concerning implementation support, including dates for the Intersessional Meetings in 2022, the new Committee members and the Convention's Sponsorship Programme.

The 19MSP agreed to hold the 2022 Intersessional Meetings on 22-24 June 2022 in Geneva.   

In keeping with its mandate, the 19MSP President consulted with States Parties to identify a list of nominees to serve as new Committee members following the 19MSP. The Meeting agreed on the following proposal:

  • Article 5 Implementation: Belgium and Sri Lanka until the end of the Twentieth Meeting of the States Parties and France and Iraq until the end of the Twenty-First Meeting of the States Parties; 
  • Victim Assistance: Algeria and Ecuador until the end of the Twentieth Meeting of the States Parties and Italy and Uganda until the end of the Twenty-First Meeting of the States Parties; 
  • Enhancement of Cooperation and Assistance: Japan and Sudan until the end of Twentieth Meeting of the States Parties and Netherlands and Thailand until the end of the Twenty-First Meeting of the States Parties; 
  • Cooperative Compliance: Chile and Spain until the end of the Twentieth Meeting of the States Parties and Switzerland and Turkey until the end of the Eighteenth Meeting of the Twenty-First Meeting of the States Parties.   

In addition, Australia, in its capacity as Coordinator of the Sponsorship Programme provided an update on the Sponsorship Programme.

  Video |   Statements 

The status of assessed contributions was introduced by UNODA.

The Fourth Review Conference in 2019 took a number of financial decisions, to ensure the financial predictability and sustainability of the Convention. Unfortunately, the United Nations could not implement all of them. In particular, the measure on the accounts’ closure, as contained in paragraph 42 (b) (ii) of the Fourth Review Conference’s outcome document.

The President introduced the Presidency’s proposal allowing the United Nations to close the accounts in a manner that is consistent with the financial rules and regulations of the UN, while also providing States Parties their credits once they become available.

The following delegations shared views on matters related to the status of assessed contributions: Japan, France, Switzerland, Germany, Venezuela, Canada, Brazil and Uruguay.

 Video 

The meeting took decisions on the requests for extended mine clearance deadlines which were submitted by Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Nigeria and Somalia and Turkey.

The delegations of the Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Somalia and Turkey took the floor.

  Video |   Amendments

The President introduced technical amendments based on the Oslo Action Plan adopted in 2019. The amendments to the Guide to Reporting were approved.

No delegation took the floor under this agenda item.

No delegation took the floor under this agenda item.

 Video 

The 19MSP agreed to elect H.E. Alicia Victoria Arango Olmos, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations in Geneva, President of the Twentieth Meeting of the States Parties.

The following delegation took the floor to express its position with respect to the election of the President of the Twentieth Meeting of the States Parties: Venezuela.

 The President of the Twentieth Meeting of the States Parties presented her initial ideas for her presidency and for the Twentieth Meeting of the States Parties. 

In addition, the 19MSP noted that Germany is actively considering a candidacy for the Presidency of the Twenty-First Meeting of the States Parties in 2023.

The 19MSP agreed that the Convention’s Twentieth Meeting of the States Parties will take place from 21 to 25 November 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland. 

The 19MSP agreed that the Convention’s Twenty-First Meeting of the States Parties will take place from 20 to 24 November 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Finally, the 19MSP adopted cost estimates for the Twenty-First Meeting of the States Parties. 

  • Estimated costs for the Twenty-First Meeting of the States Parties

No delegation took the floor under this agenda item. 

 Video | Earlier in the day spoken word artist Naomi Grant opened the last day of the 19MSP, as closing act.

  Video | The President delivered closing remarks, followed by a statement by a representative of the Mine Action Youth Fellows.