Mine action is framed by three main international Conventions:
The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC)
The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM)
The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and, more specifically, its Amended Protocols II and Protocal V
The universalization and implementation of these key instruments are of paramount importance for the sector. Both the APMBC and the CCM set clear and ambitious targets in terms of clearance, stockpile destruction and victim assistance.
The GICHD supports the implementation of these three Conventions both logistically and substantially.
With observer status to the Conventions, the GICHD participates in and supports the organisation of related meetings, such as Meetings of States Parties, Review Conferences, Intersessional Meetings and Expert Meetings. Given the Centre's track record in vaious mine action programmes around the world, the GICHD is also in a good position to feed the discussions with evidence-based information and to promote good practices and know-how within the sector.
The Centre also received the mandate from the States Parties to the APMBC and the CCM to host their respective Implementation Support Units (ISUs) in its premises. The GICHD thus provides administrative and logistical support to the ISUs to ensure their smooth running. In parallel, our respective mandates provide a conducive framework for fruitful cooperation at strategic level with both ISUs.
Finally, the GICHD administers the Sponsorship Programmes of the three Conventions. These programmes are aimed at ensuring a widespread participation of affected States in related meetings.
