GROUP OF GOVERNMENTAL EXPERTS TO CONSIDER DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR INSTRUMENT ON EXPLOSIVE REMNANTS OF WAR

GROUP OF GOVERNMENTAL EXPERTS TO CONSIDER DRAFT PROPOSAL

FOR INSTRUMENT ON EXPLOSIVE REMNANTS OF WAR

GENEVA, 12 June (UN Information Service) -- The fifth session of the Group of Governmental Experts on explosive remnants of war and mines other than anti-personnel mines, set up by the Second Review Conference of States parties to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW), will be held from 16 to 27 June at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, chaired by Ambassador Rakesh Sood of India.

In December 2002, the States parties to the Convention reached agreement on new mandates developed by the Group's respective Coordinators -- Ambassador Chris Sanders of the Netherlands as Coordinator for explosive remnants of war, and Minister Counsellor Peter Kolarov of Bulgaria as Coordinator for mines other than anti-personnel mines.

On the issue of explosive remnants of war, at its previous session held in March, the Group had begun negotiations on an instrument which would reduce the risks of such remnants.  At its upcoming session, the Group will strive to reach agreement on “a draft proposal for an instrument on explosive remnants of war” submitted by the Coordinator.  The mandate provides, in one part, for negotiation of post-conflict remedial measures, and, in another part, for further exploration of preventive measures.  Meanwhile, on the issue of mines other than anti-personnel mines, the Group will continue to further explore the issue during this session.  In addition, the Group will also continue examination of the issue of compliance with the Convention and its protocols.

The Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects, also known as the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), or Inhumane Weapons Convention, was concluded on October 10 1980, and entered into force on December 2 1983.  It comprises four protocols, which ban or restrict the use of various types of weapons that are considered to cause unnecessary or unjustifiable suffering or to have other humanitarian consequences.  The weapons currently covered include certain types of landmines and booby-traps, incendiary weapons, weapons leaving undetectable fragments in the body, and blinding laser weapons.  Currently, 90 States are party to the Convention.

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