Side Events

Host: ICBL / Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor

This exhibition, sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the UN in Geneva, presents excerpts from the publication Through the Lens of Survivor Researchers (2021) which seeks to highlight the diversity of the individuals contributing “behind the scenes” to the Monitor research work, in particular those who have suffered directly or indirectly from the use of landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war (ERW).

The exhibition features 13 researchers/campaigners from around the world and each portrait will consist of the researcher’s photo and short bios. The aim is to illustrate and highlight the immense value of their contributions to the Monitor research, ICBL-CMC campaigning work, and more generally for their tireless work toward a mine and cluster munition-free world. In addition, and to provide context to these portraits, information on the current landmine global situation will be displayed, including latest data from Landmine Monitor 2021.

Host: The Netherlands and the United Kingdom
Location: Red Room or online https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88197534056

This side event will present progress in developing a sector wide Theory of Change (ToC) for the Mine Action sector after consultations with stakeholders last year. The event will present changes made in response to research and feedback into mine action’s contribution to country stabilization strategies.  The event will also share emerging lessons from trialing the ToC and accompanying tools in Libya and Lebanon.

The event will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss next steps and identify how ToC tools can more clearly present an evidence base to document mine action achievements as well as how to better coordinate stakeholders at the country-level in order to produce more impactful results at the sector level.

Host: International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
Location: Blue Room at WIPO or online, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84845418799

The conflict in Ukraine is a stark indication of the impact landmines and explosive ordnance have on civilians, civilian infrastructure and livelihoods. This side event will present the findings on the use of landmines and other explosive ordnance in Ukraine by Human Rights Watch (HRW).

The event will also cover the impact of mines from DRC clearance teams.

Host: UNMAS Afghanistan and Iraq
Location: Orange Room or online https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86102115357 

This side event will share practical examples from UNMAS’ partnership with BBC Media Action in Afghanistan that uses mass media platforms to deliver EORE. UNMAS and BBC Media Action will present the current methods used to deliver effective messaging through various media platforms to large and diverse audiences, as well as good practices and lessons learned. The session will also cover the behaviour change approach to EORE in Afghanistan, with a focus on successes, challenges and lessons.

The side event will also share how UNMAS Iraq’s explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) partnership model contributes to the strengthening of the national NGOs’ organisational and technical competence. The side event will cover the background of partnership model, including the use of a needs assessment, the development of a capacity enhancement plan, as well as the model's activities, key findings and lessons learned. The side event will also feature presentations by implementing partners.

Host: The United Kingdom
Location: Red Room or online https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88197534056

This side event will provide an update on the progress on innovative finance options for mine action, including the presentation of findings from the recent UK conference, “Utilising innovative financing models to further the goal of a landmine free world”, that included participants from the mine action, innovative finance and development communities to discuss funding challenges and explore the potential of innovative financing mechanisms to address these challenges. This side event will also be an opportunity for participants to discuss next steps and to agree a collaborative way forward.

Host: Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor and Human Rights Watch
Location: Orange Room or online https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86102115357

This side event will review credible evidence indicating that a private Russian military security contractor with apparent links to Russia’s government transferred antipersonnel landmines to Libya where it used them in Tripoli in 2019-2020. At the time, the Wagner Group was providing combat support to Khalifa Hiftar’s Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF).

The side event will discuss actions that can be taken to prevent further human suffering from landmines in Libya.

Host: Organisation of American States (OAS)
Location: Red Room or online https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88197534056

As early as 1996 the first resolution was passed at the Organization of American States that established the goal of a “Mine Free Hemisphere” for the Americas. More than two decades later the region continues to be affected by mines and unexploded ordnance and three State Parties still have Article 5 obligations, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. 

This side event will share lessons learned and a road map towards completion for the remaining states. Mine action authorities from each State Party have established their own goals and roadmaps for addressing their remaining Article 5 obligations. While Colombia’s mine action program relates to an internal peace process, Peru and Ecuador’s work will focus on mutual peace-building efforts and cross-border collaboration to achieve their goals. 

The event will an opening address from the UN’s Representative in Geneva and a presentation from OAS General Coordinator of the Comprehensive Action against Anti-Personnel Mines (AICMA), Tammy Hall as well as presentations from States Parties from the region. Emphasis will be given on discussion between panelists and with the audience with simultaneous translation provided online and in-person.

Host: The HALO Trust
Location: Blue Room 

Within two weeks after Kabul fell in August 2021, HALO deployed 1,400 staff across the country. HALO grew its programme considerably to deal with the staggering extent of explosive ordnance contamination.

Considering HALO’s 30+ year presence in Afghanistan, this side event will provide insights into the latest developments and challenges HALO’s programme is facing; including improvised explosive device contamination, increases in casualties and the need for rapid responses in the context of a highly challenging funding outlook.