Article 4 of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) requires signatories to destroy or ensure the destruction of all stockpiled anti-personnel mines that they own or possess, or that are under their jurisdiction or control. Destruction of anti-personnel mines (APM) must take place as quickly as possible, and not later than four years after the entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty (MBT) for that State Party. APM stockpiles tend to be large in quantity, but relatively small in terms of individual weight and net explosive content (NEC). Logistically, the destruction of these stockpiles can be a complex operation. Available physical destruction techniques range from the relatively simple open burning and open detonation (OBOD) techniques through to highly sophisticated industrial processes. The GICHD has assisted national authorities to identify and resolve the technical and logistical issues involved in APM stockpile destruction. However, there are so many inter-relational factors involved that it is not possible to provide “template solutions". Operational assistance and advice has been provided to Albania, the Balkans (Stability Pact), Belarus, Mozambique, the West Bank/Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen and Bangladesh.
Assistance activities
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