5th Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to express the Holy See’s appreciation for the organization of this Fifth Review Conference. I would also like to express my gratitude to you and to the people and Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia for the warm hospitality which we have received here in Siem Reap.

Recalling the 25^th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines earlier this year, Pope Francis reiterated “his closeness to the many victims of these insidious devices that remind us of the dramatic cruelty of wars, and the price [that] civilian populations are forced to bear.”[1]

The Holy See is deeply concerned about the persistent prevalence of armed conflicts and violence worldwide, and deplores that anti-personnel landmines continue to be placed, including by non-state actors, which engenders fear and insecurity, and, most tragically, the creation of new victims.

The indiscriminate proliferation of such weapons in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as in Syria and Myanmar is of great concern. In this regard, the Holy See strongly urges all States that have not yet done so to accede to the Convention, and, in the meantime, to immediately cease the production and use of landmines without delay.

Mr. President,

It is important to reiterate that a world free of landmines is not a world free from victims. It is fundamental to continue placing the human person at the center of our joint efforts and thus guarantee a form of assistance which is integral. In order for such assistance to be fit-for-purpose, it must take into account the multiple needs and varying contexts of victims, including their full rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration, as well as psychological and spiritual care.[2]

Indeed, there is a strong link between demining, victim assistance, development and peacebuilding. For this reason, requests for extension of deadlines contracted under the Convention should be considered with the utmost seriousness. It is up to all States Parties to the Convention to address them in a clear and constructive atmosphere, ensuring that cooperation remains the key word. Each Party must fulfill its role for the greater good and for the safety of populations, including affected States Parties, donor countries and civil society.

As one of the first States to sign the Convention, the Holy See, through the institutions of the Catholic Church throughout the world, has since then conducted “a campaign to increase awareness in the local Churches of the problem of anti-personnel landmines, circulating relevant information on this serious problem, pressing for an active commitment in this regard and, in addition, asking for prayers for the victims of anti-personnel landmines”^[3]. For its part the Catholic Church in Cambodia provides integral assistance and socio-economic reintegration to victims.

Mr. President,

In today’s globalized world we should invest in instruments of life and peace, rather than in instruments of death and indiscriminate and unnecessary suffering. It is the hope of my Delegation that the Documents adopted at this Fifth Review Conference will make a real difference for to those affected, giving them credible hope for a better future, while working to prevent future victims.

Thank you, Mr. President.