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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. As of January 2012, 76 States are bound by Protocol V, which entered into force on 12 November 2006. The GICHD and Protocol VThe GICHD supported the First Meeting of the High Contracting Parties by advicing on the draft the Rules of Procedure, and on defining the procedural and operational matters. Further, advice is provided on the best use of IMSMA for data collection and 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. The study gives guidance in a complex area of endeavour based on best practice and lessons from the last 15 years of mine action. It 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. At the Second Conference of the High Contracting Parties, in November 2008, the GICHD launched the Guide to Ammunition Storage. The Guide identifies and promotes good practice in the safe storage of ammunition and contributes to international efforts to address this important issue. We would like to thank the Kingdom of Netherlands for its generous support of these initiatives. GICHD Statements / Presentations in 2013
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