Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War (Protocol V)

In November 2003, in Geneva, the States Parties to the CCW met and agreed to a new, fifth, CCW Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War (ERW). This protocol is designed to alleviate the humanitarian impact of ERW in the post-conflict period. Included in the definition of ERW is both unexploded ordnance and abandoned ordnance. However, mines and booby-traps are not included under ERW because they are already subject to existing international law in Amended Protocol II of the CCW. As of May 2008, 43 States are bound by Protocol V, which entered into force on November 12 2006.

The GICHD and Protocol V

The GICHD provides support to the High Contracting Parties for the Implementation of Protocol V, i.e. draft Rules of Procedure for the First Meeting of the High Contracting Parties; advice on the best use of IMSMA for data collection; and advice on the best use of IMAS for the clearance, removal and destruction of ERW.

At the Meeting of Experts of the High Contracting Parties to CCW Protocol V, in July 2008, the GICHD launched the study Mine Action and the Implementation of CCW Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War PDF 1.8MB. The study is intended to give guidance in a complex area of endeavour based on best practice and lessons from the last 15 years of mine action.

The publication is intended particularly for States and their armed forces, but also for international and non-governmental organisations involved in explosive ordnance disposal, risk education or assistance to the victims. It reflects the legal obligations laid down by Protocol V on ERW and the non-legally-binding technical annex.

We would like to thank the Netherlands for its generous support of this initiative.