Landmine Monitor Report 2001 Toward a Mine-Free World Belgium Report
LANDMINE MONITOR
Landmine Monitor Report 2001 Toward a Mine-Free World
Belgium Report Table of Contents
Mine Ban Policy p.3
Production, Transfer and Stockpiling p.4
Landmine/UXO Problem, Casualties, Survivor Assistance p.7
Mine Action Funding p.8
Research and Development p.12
NGO Activity p.14
Notes p.16 Mine Ban Policy
reiterated the need for universaliza- The Mine Ban Treaty Belgium tion of the Mine Ban Treaty, and Belgium signed the Mine Ban Treaty continued to pleaded for greater solidarity with on 3 December 1997, ratified it on play a landmine victims.2 4 September 1998, and became a leadership role State Party on 1 March 1999. Belgium Implementation of the in promoting had already adopted domestic legis- Mine Ban Treaty universalization lation banning the production, pro- Belgium continues to play a sig- and effective curement, sale, export, use and stock- nificant role in promoting adherence implementation piling of antipersonnel mines.1 to, and implementation of, the Mine of the Mine Ban Treaty. For example, on 15-16 Ban Treaty The Second Meeting of February 2001, Belgium participated States Parties actively in a seminar in Bamako, In September 2000, at the Second Mali, on the implementation and Meeting of States Parties in Geneva, universalization of the Mine Ban Belgium's delegation was headed Treaty in Africa. Belgium promotes by Ambassador Marc Baptist, Deputy universalization of the Mine Ban Director-General of Political Multilat- Treaty via bilateral contacts. Louis eral Relations and Thematic Ques- Michel, Vice-Prime Minister and Min- tions, at the Ministry of Foreign ister of Foreign Affairs, has sent Affairs, and Ambassador Jean Lint, letters to a number of States not Permanent Representative to the party to the Mine Ban Treaty, encour- Conference on Disarmament (CD). aging them to join the treaty. Efforts Advisers from the nongovernmental to promote universalization are also organization Handicap International made in multilateral or international (HI) Belgium were also members of fora, such as the UN, NATO, and the the Belgian delegation. In a speech CD. The interdepartmental working at the opening ceremony, Her Royal group established by the Ministry of Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, Foreign Affairs has continued to work
Landmine Monitor Report 2001 / 1 on promoting the Mine Ban Treaty, reporting by States Parties of imple- and regularly invites HI Belgium to mentation measures under Article 7 attend its meetings. of the Mine Ban Treaty. Together with The Second Meeting of the NGO VERTIC, the International States Parties Campaign to Ban Landmines, and UN Department for Disarmament At the Second Meeting of States Affairs, Belgium undertook to develop Parties, Belgium became co-chair a guide for Article 7 transparency with Zimbabwe of the Standing Com- reports. During the Bamako seminar, mittee on General Status and Oper- Burkina Faso and Belgium co-chaired Belgium has ation of the Convention. This Stand- a workshop on how to construct served as ing Committee has stressed the national Article 7 reports. Belgium co-chair of the importance of continuing efforts to and Burkina Faso agreed to make a intersessional universalize the Mine Ban Treaty. contact list of the African represen- Standing Belgium, together with a number of tatives responsible for Article 7 re- Committee on other States Parties, has taken the ports.4 Belgium has also undertaken General Status initiative to form the Universalization démarches in respect of a number and Operation Contact Group, which coordinates of countries that have not submitted of the activities encouraging non-States Article 7 reports to the UN. Parties to accede to, or ratify, the Convention Belgium submitted its transpar- Mine Ban Treaty without delay. The since ency reports under Mine Ban Treaty group was formally recognized at September Article 7 in May 1999, 15 August the Second Meeting of States Parties. 2000 1999, 27 April 2000, and 30 April Belgium was a very active partic- 2001.5 The most recent Article 7 ipant in the December 2000 and report includes the new Form J, in May 2001 intersessional Standing which Belgium provides information Committee meetings. Belgium has on mine action funding and victim given financial support to the Geneva assistance measures. International Center for Humanitarian Demining to create a sponsorship UN General Assembly fund, which will allow wider partici- pation in the intersessional work In November 2000 Belgium voted in and annual meetings of States Par- favor of UN General Assembly Reso- ties.3 lution 55/33v on the universalisation and implementation of the Mine Ban Implementation measures Treaty. In 2001, Belgium will lead In addition, Belgium is coordinating the drafting of the UN resolution on efforts to encourage full and prompt the Mine Ban Treaty.
2 / Landmine Monitor Report 2001 Amended Protocol II was the second anniversary of the of the CCW entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty. He encouraged States that Belgium is a party to Amended had not yet joined the Mine Ban Protocol II of the Convention on Treaty to do so.8 Conventional Weapons (CCW). At the Second Annual Conference of States Parties to the Protocol in The use of antipersonnel December 2000, Ambassador Lint mines by a non-signatory headed a small Belgian delegation, and Belgium was the only State Party Belgium's position regarding the to include an NGO member in its use of antipersonnel mines by a non- There has delegation. The Belgian position is signatory of the Mine Ban Treaty been much to continue encouraging States Par- during joint military operations with activity in ties to implement the Amended Pro- a State Party was elaborated by the Parliament and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in June tocol II and also to encourage States elsewhere in 2000 and again in March 2001: “Any to join the Mine Ban Treaty. During support Belgian unit engaged in joint opera- the Second Annual Conference, the of a ban on Netherlands made an informal pro- tions outside national territory cannot antihandling posal for intensive consideration of use antipersonnel mines, in any devices whether to amend the CCW to cover circumstances, whatever framework “explosive remnants of war.” Bel- and subordination mode this engage- gium co-sponsored this proposal ment is undergoing. along with many other countries. Belgium will also continue to make Belgium submitted the annual report diplomatic and political efforts to as required by Article 13 of Amended NATO partners who have not ratified Protocol II on 15 October 2000.6 the Ottawa Convention and to en- courage them to adhere to it.”9 This issue has been raised by the ICBL Conference in the General Status Standing Com- on Disarmament mittee several times, and as co-chair, Belgium “considers that the Confer- Belgium has proposed that a con- ence on Disarmament, at the same structive debate on the scope of the level as other international and re- obligation take place in that Standing gional forums, may contribute to the Committee.10 promotion of the universalization and the reinforcement of the inter- national norm created by the Mine Ban Treaty.”7 On 1 March 2001, Bel- gium's Ambassador to the CD, Jean Lint, reminded the CD that this date
Landmine Monitor Report 2001 / 3 Production, Transfer 11 and Stockpiling
13 Belgium has Belgium has not produced antiper- reported in detail. By March 2001, became one sonnel mines since demilitarization the number had been further reduced of facilities in 1990, and has stated to 5,426.14 of the first that “the actions in which Belgium On 1-2 February 2001, a represen- countries to participates, whether as a promoter tative of the Armed Forces participat- complete or as a participant, are by no means ed in a technical meeting in Budapest destruction aimed at conceiving or developing on the destruction of the PFM1 of its munitions whose operation would “Butterfly” mine. antipersonnel be similar to the operation of anti- 12 Antihandling devices mine personnel mines.” stockpile An issue of particular concern has been certain antivehicle mines with antihandling devices which may act like an antipersonnel mine and thus be banned under the Mine Ban Treaty. This issue has been discussed in various fora, including the meetings of the Standing Committee on the General Status and Operation of the photo: © Jane’s Mines and Mines clearance Convention. On 13-14 March 2001, In September 1997, Belgium be- the International Committee of the came one of the first countries to Red Cross (ICRC) hosted an expert complete destruction of its antiper- meeting on antivehicle mines with sonnel mine stockpile. Its most sensitive fuzes or sensitive antihan- recent Mine Ban Treaty Article 7 dling devices in Geneva, which Bel- report indicates that at the end of gium attended.15 reporting period on 31 December On 11 May 2001, when the results 2000, Belgium retained 5,433 M 35 of the ICRC meeting were discussed Bg antipersonnel mines, after using at the Standing Committee on the 383 mines during the year for per- General Status, the Belgian delega- mitted training purposes, which are tion stated that Articles 1 and 2 of
4 / Landmine Monitor Report 2001 the Mine Ban Treaty constitute an discussed in the External Affairs and “interdiction on using antivehicle National Defense Commission, were mines with antihandling devices adopted unanimously,19 and put on conceived or modified to activate the agenda of the plenary session when no attempt is made to tamper for voting by the Senate on 8 March with or disturb them.” The delegation 2001.20 But no vote was taken and went on to say that Belgium consid- the issue was referred back to the ered such devices as booby-traps, External Affairs and National Defense which are banned under Belgian Commission. national legislation.16 Belgium wel- To consider more fully the tech- comed the ICRC contribution to keep nical, humanitarian and international with the objectives and purpose of consequences of a ban on antihan- the Convention to take all possible dling devices, a mixed commission steps to minimize the risk to civilian of the Chamber of Representatives populations of certain antivehicle National Defense Commission, and mines, including by considering and the Senate Foreign Affairs and De- adopting as appropriate relevant fense Commission was organized on best practices of the type identified 21 March 2001. HI Belgium, the in the report of the ICRC Expert Head of the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Meeting. and a number of military experts, Within Belgium, substantial including Minister of Defense Flahaut, progress has been made on this were invited. HI Belgium presented issue. Following a public awareness the humanitarian effects of antihan- day on 11 November 2000 at the dling device and expressed its view Federal Belgian Parliament, a number that the 1995 Belgian law banning of members of the Chamber of Rep- antipersonnel mines also bans the resentatives and the Senate (from use of antihandling devices. Mrs very different political parties) initi- Dardenne, co-author of the 1995 law, ated work on a ban on antihandling explained that its objective was to devices.17 HI Belgium forwarded a cover the widest possible range of document on antihandling devices weapons having the same effects as to parliamentarians, encouraging antipersonnel mines. Given the pos- them to ban the devices.18 Five legal sibility of different interpretations of proposals to ban antihandling devices the law, Martine Dardenne suggested were initiated within fifteen days. that an interpretative law be passed On 8 March 2001, three proposals to make the precise scope of the by members of the Chamber of Rep- 1995 law on antipersonnel mines resentatives were formally consid- clearer. Parliamentarians have de- ered. clared that they have the political On 22 February 2001, two pro- will to pursue a ban, and have noted posals by Senate members were that the international context may
Landmine Monitor Report 2001 / 5 change if Belgium does this.21 more but we would need some time The Minister of Defense has said, to dismantle them. The delays would “I can tell you that the legislation be different in relation to the numbers related to antipersonnel mines, boo- of the existing devices. We also have by-traps and other devices of the to take into account the problem of same nature is fully respected by replacement and the fact that we our national forces, as well in the need to keep a certain amount of text as in the spirit. I'm glad to stockpile in order to train our sol- know that today, a proposal of law diers, just as we did for antipersonnel and resolution has been initiated by mines.”23 Senator P. Mahoux to apply the Belgium has one antivehicle mine Belgian law and the Ottawa Treaty fitted with an antihandling device, on antihandling devices.... The pro- the HPD (or HPD F2). This is a French posal of Senator P. Mahoux is a step mine equipped with an antihandling in the right direction.”22 device and a self-neutralizing sys- But the Minister of Defense has tem,24 which the Army says is 100 also pointed out that destroying percent effective. An Army officer antivehicle mines fitted with antihan- told parliamentarians, “This kind of dling devices would be very expen- antivehicle mine fitted with antihan- sive and collaboration with multina- dling device doesn't explode by an tional forces would have to be unintentional act, as you have to reconsidered. The Minister agreed really move it hard to make it ex- to consult with EU and NATO mem- plode.”25 The Army states that it bers on whether they have already does not have any other antivehicle a national law prohibiting sensitive mines fitted with antihandling devices antihandling devices, and the conse- and that it does not use any kind quences for NATO of prohibiting such of booby-traps, as they are prohibited devices. In response to a question by the national law on antipersonnel from two members of the Chamber mines. of Representatives the Minister said, “Belgium has, as has its partners and allies, a stock of antivehicle
mines, of which a certain percentage photo: B. Hacourt © Handicap International Belgium is equipped with antihandling devic- es.... There is an established political position of Belgium to continue its fight against antipersonnel mines. I officially informed the Senate that I was in favor of the law proposal such as it has been initiated.... We could decide not to use them any-
6 / Landmine Monitor Report 2001 Landmine/UXO Problem, Casualties, Survivor Assistance
Belgium is not considered to be Belgium, the Governor of the East During 2000, mine-affected, but is still occasionally Flanders Province decided to organize there were affected by unexploded ordnance a UXO awareness prevention cam- (UXO) and mines from the two World paign. The briefing is given by the 3,125 notifica- Wars. For instance, on 1 January SEDEE-DOVO to local policemen. tions to the 2001, it was reported that a landmine During 2000, there were 3,125 SEDEE-DOVO had been found in Snellegem.26 The notifications to the SEDEE-DOVO unit, and 304 Armed Forces maintain an Explosive unit, and 304 tons of UXO/mines tons of Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, the were destroyed.30 During the last UXO/mines SEDEE-DOVO, which still operates in week of 2000, for example, builders were Belgium on a regular basis.27 on the Belgian coast found grenades destroyed Deaths and injuries due to UXO remaining from World War II. Owing occur from time to time. In April to the risk of mines or other explo- 2000, an amateur collector of war sives being present, SEDEE-DOVO remnants and four firemen were completely checked the area.31 injured when an item of UXO explod- People injured by mines or UXO ed, and on 4 October 2000 another follow the general provisions for collector was killed by UXO in accident or illness. Amputees unable Diksmude in the village of Essen.28 to work may receive a disability A Captain in the SEDEE-DOVO said allowance.32 Healthcare insurance that each year at least one or two reimburses medical and rehabilitation persons are killed by UXO in the costs. Families with one or more region where fighting took place disabled members may have reduced during World War I; he said since taxes. Disabled people in general 1999 only collectors of war remnants also have other benefits such as have been involved in such accidents reserved parking, and reduced tele- and the civil population is no longer phone, gas and electricity charges. at risk.29 As a result of the accidents among collectors in this region of
Landmine Monitor Report 2001 / 7 33 Mine Action Funding
Belgium describes its position con- tional US$1.4 million for R&D. Fi- cerning the allocation of financial nancial data for 2000 has been en- resources to mine action in terms of tered on the UN investment the promotion of coordination and database34. The financial contribu- integration. A multidisciplinary ap- tions to mine action in 2000 in- proach is adopted, which includes clude:35 humanitarian demining, victim assis- Support to advocacy work and tance and research in safer technol- public awareness: BEF2,922,044 ogies. Demining is accorded priority (US$64,862) where land is needed for survival, and special attention is given to • Contribution to support the co- local capacity building. States Parties ordination of the Belgian network to the Mine Ban Treaty are given of the ICBL campaign, carried out preference, in order to optimize the in cooperation with HI Belgium. use of resources and make sure the Support for the promotion and demined areas will not be re-mined, implementation of the Mine Ban but in some emergency cases re- Treaty: BEF9 million (US$199,778) sources may be allocated to States • To the UN Voluntary Fund, the that are not party to the treaty. Ministry of Foreign Affairs allocat- In 2000, Belgium contributed ed BEF7 million (US$155,383). about US$2.068 million to mine • To promote the Mine Ban Treaty clearance, mine awareness and victim and the intersessional Standing assistance programs, another Committee meetings, BEF2 million US$405,407 for implementation of (US$44,395) was allocated by the Mine Ban Treaty, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. US$1.276 million for mine action research and development (R&D). Support for monitoring the Mine In comparison, in 1999, US$2.3 mil- Ban Treaty: BEF 6,350,000 (US$ lion was given for mine action and 140,767) treaty implementation, with an addi- • To the Landmine Monitor, BEF2
8 / Landmine Monitor Report 2001 million (US$44,405) by the Min- served as technical advisers to the istry of Foreign Affairs. Cambodian Mine Action Center on a • Additionally, BEF3,350,000 development project intended to (US$74,362) was donated from enable the Cambodian staff ultimately the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to to operate independently. support a research conference in Brussels in January/February 2000 Kosovo and enable delegates from devel- In-kind support from the Ministry of oping countries to participate. National Defense. Belgium has sent The Ministry of Defense also three permanent mine clearance supported the conference by or- experts to this region, who operate A multi- ganizing an exhibition on anti- under the KFOR mandate and assist disciplinary personnel mines, and the Ministry local demining organizations. approach, of Foreign Affairs put the Egmont including Palace in Brussels, logistic sup- humanitarian port and BEF1 million Croatia demining, (US$22,000) at the disposal of In-kind support from the Ministry of victim ICBL for the event. National Defense. Belgium sent a training adviser for the Western assistance and Support to mine clearance oper- European Union Demining Mission research in ations (humanitarian or military project in collaboration with the EU safer cooperation projects): and the Western European Union. BEF59,945,000 (US$1,330,632) technologies Cambodia International Trust Fund BEF5 million (US$110,988) was allo- cated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for demining operations.
Laos The Ministry of Foreign Affairs con- tributed in-kind three demining ex- perts to provide technical assistance photo: © Handicap International Belgium to enable the staff of UXO LAO, the national UXO program, ultimately to BEF11,360,000 (US$252,160) - finan- operate independently. They also cial and in-kind support from the contributed financially BEF16.7 million Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry (US$370,699). of National Defense. Since 1994, three mine clearance experts have
Landmine Monitor Report 2001 / 9 Albania The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allo- cated BEF1.1 million (US$24,417) to the special fund for the destruction of antipersonnel mine stockpiles in Albania. Democratic Republic of Congo (Kisangani) A HI project of mine awareness and destruction of mines and UXO has received BEF25,785,000 (US$572,364) in funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
photo: © Handicap International Belgium Angola:
photo: © Handicap International Belgium
Support to mine awareness and victim assistance: BEF33,217,561 (US$737,349) • BEF3 million (US$66,593) for the special appeal launched by the ICRC in late 1999 for the period 2000-2005 for prevention and assistance to victims of antiper- sonnel mines. • BEF30,217,561 (US$670,756) to photo: T. Strickaret HI's operations in Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, and northern •Support to disabled persons Iraq, as detailed below: and mines victims: Afghanistan: BEF7,392,000 (US$164,084) •Mine Awareness program: Cambodia: BEF924,000 (US$20,510) •Physical rehabilitation:
10 / Landmine Monitor Report 2001 BEF5,146,667 (US$114,243) (US$743,600). •Socio-economic reintegration • HOPE is a project aimed at de- program: BEF9,948,894 veloping a portable, multi-sensor (US$220,841) mine detection system demon- •Mine Unit program (includes strator. It was allocated in-kind mine incident database project resources from the Ministry of and studies over spontaneous Defense estimated at demining initiatives): BEF3,752,000 (US$83,285). BEF924,000 (US$20,511) • Multi Sensor Mine Signature cam- • Community-based program paign is supported in-kind with (self-help group and childhood approximately BEF2,310,000 program): BEF770,000 (US$51,276) by the Ministry of (US$17,092) Defense. •Provincial rehabilitation centers: BEF2,772,000 (US$61,532) Northern Iraq: •Rehabilitation workshop: BEF2,310,000 (US$51,276)
Support to R&D of new mine detection and clearance technol- ogies: BEF57,470,095 (US$1,275,697) • HUDEM (HUmanitarian DEMining) is financed jointly by the minis- tries of foreign affairs and defense with BEF14,375,000 (US$320,000), plus in-kind assis- tance. • PARADIS project is funded with BEF2,222,500 (US$49,334) for the year 2000, and BEF1,311,250 (US$29,107) for 2001, through the Scientific Policy Department budget. • APOPO project has received in- creased funding from the minis- tries of foreign affairs and defense with BEF33.5 million
Landmine Monitor Report 2001 / 11 Research and 36 Development
Belgium has been involved in R&D 1997 on the initiative of the Minister for new mine-related technologies for Defense, is coordinated by the for several years. Prof. Acheroy from Royal Military Academy in collabora- the Royal Military Academy attended tion with researchers from eight the Standing Committee meetings Belgian universities, two Belgian in Geneva in May 2001, where he industrial engineering high schools, proposed the creation of a framework King's College in London, the French- for R&D in humanitarian demining. German Saint-Louis Research Center, and three units of the Belgian Army. ITEP: On 17 July 2000, the Memoran- The project covers research on a dum of Understanding on Interna- new generation of detectors such as tional Test and Evaluation Program ground-penetrating radar, metal and (ITEP) was signed between Belgium, infrared detectors, nuclear quadruple Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, resonance, bio-captors, and detection the United Kingdom, and the United of minefields from air or space plat- States, together with the ISPRA Joint forms Research Center (as representative of the EU). “ITEP will serve as a The PARADIS project aims to develop center to promote the development an electronic planning and follow- and sharing of information on new up tool for demining operations, technologies for humanitarian dem- based on satellite images. The ining, and link existing and potential project is conducted by the Royal testing and evaluation sites around Military Academy in collaboration the world to provide an independent, with the Free University of Brussels standardized means of testing those and SEDEE-DOVO. A second mission new technologies.”37 to Mozambique was planned for April 2001 with an evaluation mission in HUDEM: the National Project on Laos in June 2001.38 Humanitarian Demining, launched in
12 / Landmine Monitor Report 2001 The APOPO project is researching The project aims to set up a database the use of 'bio-sensors' (African rats) of mine-signatures in order to support in humanitarian mine clearance op- researchers testing or developing a erations. The project reached a new generation of mine detectors. crucial point on 15 July 2000, when the new APOPO infrastructure was The ARIS Network aims to accelerate inaugurated at Sokoïne University in European research in the humanitar- Tanzania (this involved increased ian demining field by giving informa- Belgian funding). A ten-person team tion on progress and difficulties in has been recruited to work on train- ongoing research, new technologies, ing rats to locate antipersonnel mines procedures and normalization stan- from the smell of TNT. Tests in real dards. minefields will take place from spring 2001. The Airborne Minefield Detection Pilot Project was co-financed by the The HOPE (Hand-held Operational European Commission, several EU Demining System) project is conduct- States and organizations. This project ed by the Royal Military Academy in has come to an end, and the con- collaboration with the German aero- clusions are negative in terms of the space research center, the German feasibility of minefield detection by radar firm RST, Belgian firms Space- airborne images. There has been bell and Bats and two NGOs special- criticism of the project's huge budget, ized in demining operations (Mines the reduction of its objectives, and Advisory Group and Norwegian Peo- the negative final results.40 ple's Aid). Belgium is in charge of configuring the program that analyses the signals and data-fusion. SEDEE- DOVO planned to test the system in photo: © Handicap International Belgium relation to an inert minefield, and field-tests were also planned for 2001 in Bosnia and Herzegovina in collaboration with NPA.39
The Multi-Sensor Mine Signature project is conducted by the Royal Military Academy in collaboration with demining specialists from the UK, the Netherlands and Germany.
Landmine Monitor Report 2001 / 13 NGO Activity
In 2000 and 2001 a wide variety of ness event, an international athletics The Belgian activities have been organized around competition, took place at the me- Royal Family the mine issue to keep the public morial Ivo Van Damme, where seven is fully informed of recent developments. ex-beauty queens ran 100 meters in involved in The Belgian royal family is fully order to attract attention to the the mine ban involved in the mine ban movement; landmine situation. They ran with campaign; in addition to Princess Astrid's speech blue laces (the HI symbol) on their Her Royal to the Second Meeting of States feet.41 The blue laces were also in Highness Parties in September 2000, Her Royal the spotlight during several festi- Princess Highness Princess Mathilde has ac- vals,42 local and national sports Mathilde has corded her High Patronage to HI events. accorded her Belgium. In September 2000, a press con- High Patronage ference was organized to present National Day the Landmine Monitor Report 2000, to HI Belgium On 21 July 2000, Belgian National and the report was widely distributed. Day, the movement against landmines The Belgian country report was re- received huge support from the pop- leased in a more detailed version. ulation, the Federal Government, and The Prime Minister expressed interest the entire royal family, as both military in the reports.43 and civilians wore HI's blue laces as symbols of their support to mine victims. This event was widely cov- National Blue Laces Day ered by the media in both parts of On 16 September 2000, HI Belgium Belgium. It marked the first time organized its National Blue Laces the State, royal family, army and civil Day, an annual public awareness day 44 society all committed themselves to on the mine issue. On 21 Septem- the goal of an NGO. ber 2000, an awareness day also took place at the EU Parliament in Memorial Van Damme Brussels. On 11 November 2000, a In August 2000, another public aware- youth awareness day on several
14 / Landmine Monitor Report 2001 current topics, and particularly the photographs were taken by five landmine problem, was organized famous female photographers in with the collaboration of the Federal Cambodia, Kosovo, Nicaragua, Sene- Parliament, the Army and a number gal, and Thailand.46 of NGOs.45 To celebrate the second anniver- Awareness Activities sary of the entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty on 1 March 2001, In 2000, various other awareness HI Belgium issued a press release activities were organized around the and a delegation visited the US mines issue in different forum Embassy in Brussels in order to (schools, youth organizations, etc) encourage US adherence to the Mine to keep the public informed of recent Ban Treaty. Shoes that symbolize developments. A photo exhibition mine victims have also been sent to of mine victims was organized in President Bush from different parts two cultural places in Brussels. The of the world where HI is working.
photo: P.Y. Thienpont © Le Soir photo: P.E. Hublet © Handicap International Belgium
Landmine Monitor Report 2001 / 15 Notes
1 See Landmine Monitor Report 2000, p. 577. tionnaire, March 2001, p. 5; oral remarks from 2 Discours de son Altesse Royale La Princesse Astrid Amb. Lint at the meeting of the Standing Committee de Belgique, (translated) to the SMSP, Geneva, 11 on General Status and Operation of the Convention, September 2000, and reported in “Prinses en Sir Geneva, 11 May 2001. willen Verenigde Staten beschaamd maken,” Het 11 Details of past production and transfer were Volk (Dutch speaking newspaper), 12 September reported in the Landmine Monitor Report 1999, 2000. pp. 540-543. 3 “Réponse au questionnaire de Handicap Interna- 12 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Belgium's Position tional Belgique sur la position belge en matière regarding Action against Antipersonnel Mines,” d'interdiction des mines antipersonnel,” realized April 2000, p. 1. in a coordinated approach by Deputy Prime Minister 13 MBT Article 7 report, submitted 30 April 2001, for and Minister of Foreign Affairs Louis Michel, Minister calendar year 2000, Forms B, D, G. of Defense André Flahaut, State Secretary for 14 Belgian Response to the Landmine Monitor Ques- Cooperation and Development Eddy Boutmans, tionnaire, March 2001, p. 5. and their administrative representatives under the 15 The participants were Major Jones, Military Adviser, coordination of the Deputy Prime Minister and and Captain Muylkens, Bomb Disposal Unit, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs” [hereafter, Belgian Armed Forces, and Mr. Angelet, Deputy Chief of Response to the Landmine Monitor Questionnaire], Mission, Permanent Mission to the CD. Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brussels, March 2001, made statements on various points such as: p. 1. magnetic and acoustic systems fall under the “fuze 4 Belgian Response to the Landmine Monitor Ques- system” category and not under “antihandling tionnaire, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 2001, device” category; infrared and magnetic fuze p. 1. systems are never used alone but in combination 5 MBT Article 7 reports submitted 2 May 1999 for because of their nature; Belgium recommends self- the period 3 December 1997-30 April 1999; sub- neutralization instead of self-destruction as it is mitted 15 August 1999 for the period 1 May-15 non-pollutant; once self-deactivation batteries August 1999; submitted 27 April 2000 for calendar expire, the mine is completely inoffensive. year 1999; and submitted 30 April 2001 for calendar 16 Landmine Monitor notes, Standing Committee on year 2000. the General Status, Geneva, 11 May 2001. 6 CCW Amended Protocol II Article 13 report, 15 17 A Landmine Monitor researcher was present in the October 2000. meeting with Martine Dardenne (French-speaking 7 Report of the Permanent Representative of Belgium Green Party), a member of the Chamber of Repre- to the Organization for Security and Cooperation sentatives, 25 January 2001, with Karine Lalieux, in Europe (OSCE), 15 December 2000, p. 1 (trans- (French-speaking Socialist Party), a member of the lated). Chamber of Representatives, 29 January 2001, and 8 “111 States Ratified Convention on Anti-personnel with Senator George Dallemagne (French-speaking Landmines, Belgium tells Conference on Disarma- Social Christian Party), 30 January 2001. ment,” UN press release, 1 March 2001, 18 HI Belgium, Mines Unit, “Antihanteerbaarheids- www.unog.ch/news2/documents/newsen/dc0109e. mechanismen,” Brussels, February 2001. html>. 19 Senate of Belgium, External Affairs and Defense 9 Interview with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 15 Commission, Bulletin of the Commission, Agenda, June 2000; Belgian Response to the Landmine 22 February 2001. In the report, Mr. Mahoux's Monitor Questionnaire, March 2001, p. 5. proposal (2-647/1) was adopted and Mrs. Thijs's 10 Belgian Response to the Landmine Monitor Ques- proposal (2-648/1) was not pursued due to the
16 / Landmine Monitor Report 2001 adoption of Mr. Mahoux's proposal on the same Ministry of Social Affairs, Brussels, 1999. issue. 33 Unless otherwise specified below, the source of 20 Senate of Belgium, Plenary sessions, Bulletin of information in this section is: Belgian Response the Commission, Agenda, 8 March 2001. to the Landmine Monitor Questionnaire, Ministry 21 A Landmine Monitor researcher was present at the of Foreign Affairs, March 2001, pp. 6-10. Parliament of Belgium, Senate, Mixed Commission 34 Website:
Landmine Monitor Report 2001 / 17 © September 2001 / Handicap International Belgium Printed in Belgium All Rights Reserved Design : Thomas Lagneau / Carbone & Spirito Photo Cover : Corinne Dufka Research : Véronique Royen Editor : Ian Doucet
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