Today, December 1st, the Meeting of the States Parties (MSP) to the Ottawa Convention opened in the historic Assembly Hall of the United Nations Palace in Geneva. The Convention prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requires the destruction of existing stockpiles and assistance to victims.
This meeting represents an opportunity to reaffirm Italy’s commitment—being one of the sector’s largest donors—to supporting demining programs.
In his statement during the General Debate, Ambassador Bencini highlighted the complexity of the current security environment, in which “the goal of a mine-free world is more urgent than ever.” The Ambassador also reiterated Italy’s commitment to the full implementation of the Convention’s objectives through the Political Declaration and the Action Plan adopted last year in Siem Reap. Finally, he emphasized that victim assistance and their reintegration into the economic and social fabric of affected communities are essential components of Italy’s demining programs.
The Meeting of the States Parties will conclude its work on Friday, December 5th.
