Today the Eleventh Pledging Conference for the implementation of the Ottawa Convention was held, in accordance with the decision adopted at the 14th Meeting of the States Parties to organize, on an annual basis, a conference aimed at mobilizing pledges and financial contributions from States Parties.
The Italian delegation took the floor, aligning itself at the outset with the statement delivered by the European Union and reiterating Italy’s full support for the objectives of the Convention, which is recognized as a landmark instrument in the field of disarmament and humanitarian action.
In its intervention, Italy also recalled that, through legislation adopted in 2001, the Humanitarian Demining Fund was established, enabling the country to allocate approximately 110 million euros to demining and assistance initiatives in affected countries. These activities are structured around five main pillars: humanitarian demining; mine risk education, aimed at raising awareness among civilian populations about the dangers posed by explosive ordnance; victim assistance, through medical rehabilitation and socio-economic inclusion programmes; stockpile destruction, encouraging States to eliminate their arsenals in accordance with their international obligations; and advocacy activities and support for international conventions and human rights.
Italy finally underlined the importance of strengthening the process of universalization of the Convention, as well as the need to further enhance victim assistance and ensure their effective access to rehabilitation services, education and employment opportunities.
