International Cooperation and Assistance

by Steven A. Solomon

July 15, 2004

The United States is, and will remain a strong supporter of humanitarian mine action. We share common cause with all of those who wish to reduce the harm inflicted by landmines.

In our view, the reduction of the humanitarian impact of mines should not be measured simply by the number of mines destroyed or area cleared, but rather in terms of social and economic benefits such as reduced casualties and food production restored.

The work of the GGE is appropriately focused on the issues presented by anti-vehicle mines. However, for purposes of assessing and reducing the humanitarian risks faced by a mine affected country it is appropriate to take into account the impact of all mines, both anti-personnel landmines and mines other than anti-personnel mines. Thus, when addressing issues of international cooperation and assistance, we are most mindful of the relevant provisions of Protocol 2 as amended, which covers all landmines, and we regard its provisions, specifically in Article 11, as central to this issue. The 30-Nation proposal incorporates these provisions by reference.

We are also mindful that anti-vehicle mines, in particular, can have both direct and indirect negative impacts. In addition to the danger presented to refugees and other civilians transiting mine infested roads, anti-vehicle mines cut-off access to food aid and other types of humanitarian assistance and cripple a mine affected country’s ability to develop trade and commerce. For example, an International Organization for Migration flash assessment survey taken in Angola in March of this year found that many land routes are not suitable for UN assisted repatriation. The landmine risk was sited among the primary factors.

Part of the indirect impact of anti-vehicle landmines can also be measured in the cost required to support refugees who are unable to transit roads due to the presence of anti-vehicle mines. Even when refugees are able return to their home region by air, it is only part of their journey. A safe landing strip does not guarantee that the surrounding land routes will be cleared of mines and safe for onward travel. According to U.S. officials in Angola, problems such as these might require a postponement of air returns to Bie province until the 2005 repatriation season—extending the necessity to maintain displaced person camps for another year -- and the cost of doing so.

The U.S. backs up its commitment to eliminate the negative impact of landmines in countries like Angola with monetary support. This year alone our country will—including special supplementary funds for Iraq and Afghanistan—provide nearly $200 million to support humanitarian mine action worldwide. In 2005 resources available to the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement within the State Department will total $70 million—a 50% increase from the Department’s Fiscal Year 2003 humanitarian mine action-dedicated funds. The increased funds boost the State Department’s component of the U.S. Government’s robust Humanitarian Mine Action Program, in which the Department of Defense, USAID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also participate.

The State Department allocates these resources in accordance with its Humanitarian Mine Action Strategic Plan.

The strategic plan sets goals for the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program, many of which are consistent with suggestions in the coordinator’s paper contained in points 78-83. These goals are: 1) Protect the victims of conflict; 2) Restore access to land and infrastructure; 3) Develop host nation capacity; 4) Advance peace and promote conflict resolution; 5) Demonstrate support for Friends and Allies; 6) Improve Global Humanitarian Mine Action Response; 7) Expand funding base for mine action; and 8) Facilitate the destruction of small arms/light weapons and man-portable air defense systems. These goals are supported by country specific objectives. Importantly, they are flexible and tailored to the unique requirements of each mine-affected country.

The United States will continue to support country programs until a country has reached, or has developed the capacity to reach mine safe status. However, the resources devoted to mine action are limited and should be directed to programs in which the reduction of impact or contribution to stability is greatest.

The United States believes it is important to encourage all nations to assist in humanitarian mine action to the extent that they are in a position to do so and in a manner that does not prejudice their constitutional and domestic legal provisions.

The United States, in its landmine policy, affirms its commitment to work with mine affected countries and the international community to eliminate the harmful impact of landmines. Our work here can, we believe, greatly contribute to that shared goal.
Thank you.