Sudan Participates in the 5th Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention on Landmine Ban

Sudanhorizon – Al-Tayeb Gassim Al-Sayed

Major General Khalid Hamdan Adam, Director of the National Centre for Mine Risk Awareness, described Sudan’s participation in the Fifth Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines, held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, as important and beneficial.

The conference, held every five years, reviews the convention’s implementation and evaluates progress in combating anti-personnel mines. It includes participation from signatory states, non-signatory states, observer states, and UN organizations.
Sudan’s Commitment Amid Challenges

Sudan’s participation in this conference reaffirmed its commitment to the convention despite the country’s challenging circumstances. The Sudanese delegation aimed to showcase national efforts in mine clearance, war remnants removal, and risk awareness. Additionally, the delegation highlighted the challenges Sudan faces in fulfilling its obligations under the Ottawa Convention, seeking to enhance international cooperation and contribute to discussions on achieving the universality of the agreement.

Conference Highlights

The conference opened with remarks by its chair, Mr. Ly Thuch, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia delivered the keynote address. The event began with a renewal of political commitment to the convention, followed by statements from heads of delegations reaffirming their countries’ adherence to the treaty.

Key sessions focused on:

• Progress in stockpile destruction and clearance (Article 5 commitments).
• Victim assistance.
• Cooperation, assistance, and transparency in implementation.
• The conference concluded with a collective pledge by all participants to achieve a mine-free world.

Sudan’s Contributions

The Sudanese delegation actively participated in discussions, reaffirming its commitment to the convention and presenting its vision to enhance its role in addressing humanitarian emergencies in conflict-affected member states.
Progress and Challenges

Mine Clearance:

Sudan was close to fulfilling its commitments under Article 5 before the outbreak of the current war. Out of 5,071 hazardous areas, only 395 remained to be cleared. However, the ongoing conflict, triggered by the RSF rebellion, has led to widespread contamination with war remnants, even in the capital, creating a significant humanitarian challenge.

Victim Assistance:

The delegation noted that there are no accurate statistics on war casualties yet, but the number is expected to be substantial due to the widespread nature of the conflict in urban and civilian areas.

Compliance and Cooperation:

Sudan reiterated its adherence to all convention provisions. The delegation raised concerns over reports of anti-personnel mine deployment by militias, stating that specialized committees would be formed to investigate.
Side Event and Bilateral Meetings

Sudan hosted a side event titled “Sudan Up Close: From Fulfillment of Commitments to Humanitarian Emergency” in collaboration with the UN Office and the Danish Refugee Council. Numerous program directors, donors, and UN agencies working in mine action attended the event.

The delegation also held bilateral meetings with program directors from participating countries, including the UN Mine Action Service and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, as well as with key donors, to exchange experiences and seek support.

Conclusion

Sudan’s participation in the Fifth Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention provided a valuable opportunity to engage with the international community, showcase its achievements, address challenges, and reaffirm its commitment to the convention’s goals.