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1 – The nature of the meetingsThe meetings of the Standing Committees serve as the centre piece of the Intersessional Work Programme established at the First Meeting of the States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in 1999. The Intersessional Work Programme intends “to consolidate and concentrate global mine action efforts to the greatest extent possible and to highlight the role of the Convention as a comprehensive framework for mine action.”(1) In addition, the Intersessional Work Programme aims “to organize the work within the framework of the Convention in a way that promotes continuity, openness, transparency, inclusiveness and a cooperative spirit.” At the Convention’s First Review Conference in 2004, the importance of these characteristics was reemphasised as was the “informal” nature of the meetings of the Standing Committees.(2) 2 – ParticipationMeetings of the Standing Committees are open to States Parties, States not parties and interested international and non-governmental organizations. The “full and active participation” of all such actors was emphasised at the Convention’s First Review Conference in 2004.(3) 3 – VenueThe meetings will be held at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) building, 7 bis avenue de la Paix, Geneva, Room A. The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, which is located on the 3rd floor of the WMO building, provides the logistical and administrative support for these meetings. 4 – RegistrationPlease register on-line no later than 23 May 2008. If this option is not open to you, please fax your registration form to: +41-22-906-1690. 5 - Travel and AccommodationParticipants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses and to take steps to ensure that they have adequate medical coverage while in Switzerland. 6 – Visa Requirements for SwitzerlandParticipants requiring entry visas for Switzerland are required to make their own arrangements. Please note that if you are transiting through another European country you may need a Schengen Visa. Should you encounter any difficulties contact Ms. Catherine Borrero, Tel.: 41-22-906-1685; Fax: 41-22-906-1690, E-mail: c.borrero(at)gichd.org. 7 – LanguagesInterpretation has traditionally been provided in English, French, Russian and Spanish. Discussions are underway to ensure that the same can be provided in 2008. 8 – Side EventsInformation on side events that are open to all delegates will be provided on www.apminebanconvention.org as soon as this information becomes available. If you wish to book a room for a side event or meeting please contact the Implementation Support Unit (Email: isu(at)gichd.org). (Please note that side events or meetings that would run concurrent to Standing Committee meetings are discouraged). 9 – Questions about the programme for the meetings?For inquiries related to the content of the agendas for the meetings, please contact the relevant Co-Chairs or Sophie Delfolie at the Implementation Support Unit (Tel.: 41-22-906-1638; Fax: 41-22-906-1690; Email: s.delfolie(at)gichd.org). (1) Final Report of the 3-7 May 1999 First Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction; Annex IV – President’s Paper on Intersessional Work.(2) Final Report of the 29 November – 3 December 2004 First Review Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction; Part V – Programme of meetings and related matters to facilitate implementation 2005-2009.(3) Final Report of the 29 November – 3 December 2004 First Review Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction; Part V – Programme of meetings and related matters to facilitate implementation 2005-2009. |
