Mozambique

Notwithstanding the obligation to destroy all stockpiled anti-personnel mines, the Convention permits the retention of the minimum number of anti-personnel mines absolutely necessary for the development of and training in mine detection, mine clearance, or mine destruction techniques. As of 2018, Mozambique has reported having retained 1,355 anti-personnel mines for these permitted purposes. These mines are used for the training of deminers, the training and testing of mine detection animals, and for training and refresher courses for the Defence Forces Demining Platoon.

In its initial transparency report submitted in 30 March 2001, Mozambique reported stockpiled anti-personnel mines under its ownership or possession or under its jurisdiction or control.

In its transparency report submitted in 2003, Mozambique reported that it had completed the destruction of all stockpiled anti-personnel mines.

In total, Mozambique reported having destroyed 37,818 mines.

In its initial transparency, Mozambique reported areas under Mozambique’s jurisdiction or control in which anti-personnel mines are known or suspected to be emplaced.

In accordance with Article 5 of the Convention, Mozambique undertook to destroy or ensure the destruction of all anti-personnel mines in these areas as soon as possible but not later than 1 March 2009.

On 6 May 2008, Mozambique submitted a request to extend this deadline. On 25 August 2008, it submitted a revised request. The request was granted at the Ninth Meeting of the States Parties (9MSP) and a new deadline set for 1 March 2014.

On 25 May 2013, Mozambique submitted a request to extend its 2014 deadline. On 10 October 2013, it submitted a revised request. The request was granted at the Thirteenth Meeting of the States Parties and a new deadline set for 31 December 2014.

In February 2015, Mozambique informed the Chair of the Convention’s Committee on Article 5 Implementation that Mozambique was unable to complete implementation by its 31 December 2014 deadline. Mozambique expressed its commitment to being highly transparent with the States Parties as concerns the challenges that remain and Mozambique’s plan to overcome them, providing a detailed accounting of remaining mined areas and timelines for completion. 

On 17 September 2015, Mozambique declared at a ceremony in Maputo that it had completed the destruction of all anti-personnel mines in mined areas.

Article 5 Extension Request Process

Mozambique has indicated having significant numbers – hundreds or thousands – of landmine survivors.

Mozambique is also a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Annually and no later than 30 April, each State Party is to update information covering the previous calendar year. The latest Article 7 reports for this State Party can be found on this page. 

Article 9 of the Convention states that “each State Party shall take all appropriate legal, administrative and other measures, including the imposition of penal sanctions, to prevent and suppress any activity prohibited to a State Party under this Convention undertaken by persons or on territory under its jurisdiction or control.”

Mozambique has reported having established national implementation measures or that it considers existing legislation to be sufficient.