Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
---
Ministerie van Ministerie van
Buitenlandse Zaken Defensie
Postbus 20061 Postbus 20701
2500 EB 's-Gravenhage 2500 ES 's-Gravenhage
Telefoon 070-3486486 Telefoon 070-3188188
Aan:
de Voorzitter van de Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal
Binnenhof 4
Den Haag
I.a.a.:
de Voorzitter van de Eerste Kamer der
Staten-Generaal
Binnenhof 22
2513 AA Den Haag
Ons nummer DVB/WW-044/02 Datum 15 maart 2002
Onderwerp: Resultaten van de tweede Toetsingsconferentie van het
Conventionele Wapens Verdrag, 11-21 december 2001
Zeer geachte Voorzitter,
Naar aanleiding van de op 21 december 2001 afgeronde tweede
Toetsingsconferentie van het Conventionele Wapens Verdrag (CWV) en met
verwijzing naar de voorbeschouwing van deze conferentie in mijn brief van 7
december 2001 (28000 V nr.37, vergaderjaar 2001-2002), heb ik de eer u als
volgt te informeren.
De Toetsingsconferentie is succesvol afgesloten met overeenstemming tussen
alle verdragspartijen over het slotdocument (zie bijlage 1). Het bleek niet
eenvoudig om consensus te bereiken over de complexe voorstellen die ter
tafel lagen, maar uiteindelijk bleken alle verdragspartijen bereid te zijn
tot een compromis. Er werd overeenstemming gevonden over de verruiming van
de reikwijdte van alle bestaande CWV-protocollen tot interne conflicten.
Daartoe is een wijziging van het Verdrag noodzakelijk. De regering is
voornemens de aanpassing van artikel 1 van het CWV inzake reikwijdte binnen
afzienbare tijd aan de Staten-Generaal en de Staten van de Nederlandse
Antillen en van Aruba ter goedkeuring voor te leggen.
Ook kon onder Nederlands voorzitterschap overeenstemming worden bereikt over
een ruim geformuleerd mandaat voor verdere besprekingen inzake Explosive
Remnants of War (ERW, ontplofbare oorlogsresten) in een Groep van
Regeringsdeskundigen, die door de Toetsingsconferentie werd ingesteld (de
"Deskundigengroep"). De regering hoopt dat daarmee een eerste stap is gezet
op weg naar de ontwikkeling van een internationaal juridisch instrument voor
ontplofbare oorlogsresten. De Deskundigengroep zal het komende jaar ook de
problematiek van antivoertuigmijnen bespreken. Voorts werd besloten het
komende jaar in een minder formele structuur het onderwerp wondballistiek
(gebruik van kleinkalibermunitie) en het toezicht op de naleving van het
Verdrag te bespreken.
De besluiten van de conferentie illustreren de nieuw gevonden dynamiek in de
multilaterale besprekingen die zich afspelen op het snijvlak van
conventionele wapenbeheersing en humanitair oorlogsrecht. De totstandkoming
van het Ottawa Verdrag (1997) inzake antipersoneelmijnen en de toegenomen
aandacht voor de Kleine Wapens problematiek (VN conferentie 2001) zijn daar
ook voorbeelden van.
Verruiming van de reikwijdte van het CWV
Een voorstel van de Verenigde Staten en Nederland, (waar Zuid-Korea en
Argentinië zich later bij aansloten) voor de verruiming van de reikwijdte
van alle bestaande protocollen naar interne conflicten kon bij consensus
worden aanvaard. Momenteel is alleen het Geamendeerde Protocol II op zowel
internationale als interne conflicten van toepassing. De overige protocollen
(I, II, III en IV) zijn slechts op internationale conflicten van toepassing.
Volgens de indieners van het voorstel is het onlogisch dat CWV
verdragspartijen het gebruik van bepaalde wapens tegen strijdkrachten uit
andere landen strak aan banden leggen, terwijl deze bepalingen niet zouden
gelden voor strijdkrachten onder de eigen bevolking in een intern conflict.
Ook wezen zij er op dat tegenwoordig verreweg de meeste slachtoffers van
conventionele wapens juist vallen in interne conflicten.
Aanvankelijk wilde Nederland, evenals de overige indieners van het voorstel, de wijziging van het CWV zo formuleren, dat voor eventuele nieuwe protocollen bij het CWV naast de internationale ook de interne reikwijdte als uitgangspunt zou gelden. In uitzonderlijke gevallen zou daarvan kunnen worden afgeweken. Voor enkele landen was dat niet aanvaardbaar. In de toekomst zal tijdens onderhandelingen over nieuw toe te voegen protocollen daarom steeds opnieuw een besluit moeten worden genomen over de reikwijdte. Wel zal in dat geval kunnen worden gewezen op het precedent dat alle bestaande protocollen ook op interne conflicten van toepassing zijn.
Ontplofbare oorlogsresten (Explosive Remnants of War, ERW)
Zoals verwacht ging de meeste aandacht van de conferentie uit naar het
onderwerp ontplofbare oorlogsresten. De regering heeft het afgelopen jaar
veel inspanningen verricht voor het verkrijgen van overeenstemming op de
Toetsingsconferentie over een mandaat voor een Deskundigengroep die het
vraagstuk kan bestuderen en aanbevelingen kan opstellen voor verdere
stappen. Tijdens de derde PrepCom in september 2001 presenteerde de
Nederlandse "Friend of the Chair" een eerste voorstel voor een mandaat voor
het werk van de Deskundigengroep. Tussen september en december kon deze
tekst op basis van intensieve bilaterale consultaties steeds verder worden
verbeterd, zodat aan de vooravond van de conferentie al een zekere mate van
overeenstemming bestond tussen de meest invloedrijke verdragspartijen.
Ondanks de voorbereidingen bleek dat tijdens de conferentie nog een aantal
verschillen overbrugd moesten worden. Het gevaar dreigde dat vooruitgang op
het ERW-dossier zou worden gekoppeld aan vooruitgang bij de besprekingen
over antivoertuigmijnen. Uiteindelijk kon overeenstemming worden bereikt
over een breed geformuleerd mandaat, dat de bespreking mogelijk maakt van
alle denkbare maatregelen om de ERW-problematiek aan te pakken. Alle
"factoren, gepaste maatregelen en voorstellen" kunnen in de Deskundigengroep
worden besproken, in het bijzonder:
de factoren alsmede de typen van munitie die na afloop van een conflict
humanitaire problemen kunnen veroorzaken;
technische en andere maatregelen voor de relevante typen munitie (waaronder
sub-munitie), die het risico dat zulke munitie als ontplofbare oorlogsresten
achterblijft kunnen verminderen;
de vraag of het bestaande internationale humanitaire recht adequaat is voor
het minimaliseren van risico's van ERW na afloop van een conflict, voor
zowel burgers als militairen;
het waarschuwen van de bevolking in of dichtbij gebieden met ontplofbare
oorlogsresten, de ruiming van ERW, het spoedig geven van informatie die het
snel en veilig ruimen van ERW vereenvoudigt, alsook overige aspecten en
verantwoordelijkheden;
assistentie en samenwerking.
De Nederlandse Ontwapeningsambassadeur te Genève zal zijn inspanningen voor
een internationaal juridisch bindend instrument inzake ontplofbare
oorlogsresten kunnen voortzetten met zijn benoeming als coördinator van de
ERW-werkzaamheden in de Deskundigengroep. De Deskundigengroep is
gemandateerd aanbevelingen uit te brengen, onder andere over de mogelijkheid
formele onderhandelingen te openen over een juridisch bindend instrument
inzake ontplofbare oorlogsresten. Deze aanbevelingen dienen met consensus te
worden aangenomen door de Deskundigengroep alvorens zij worden voorgelegd
aan de verdragspartijen.
In het komende jaar zijn vijf vergaderweken in Genève gereserveerd voor
besprekingen van de Deskundigengroep, inclusief een formele bijeenkomst van
verdragspartijen in december 2002. De eerste maanden van dit jaar zullen
worden gebruikt om in bilaterale gesprekken en in enkele kleine
bijeenkomsten de invulling van de activiteiten voor het komende jaar te
onderzoeken. Waarschijnlijk zullen naast de genoemde formele activiteiten
nog aanvullende bijeenkomsten worden georganiseerd, bijvoorbeeld
internationale seminars en informele bijeenkomsten te Genève.
De regering hoopt dat dit jaar overeenstemming kan worden gevonden over een
onderhandelingsmandaat voor het opstellen van een nieuw protocol over
ontplofbare oorlogsresten. Dat is geen eenvoudige opgave, gezien de grote
verschillen van inzicht tussen de verdragspartijen over de aard en omvang
van het complex van problemen van ontplofbare oorlogsresten, de
militair-operationele belangen en de manieren om onnodig humanitair, door
ontplofbare oorlogsresten veroorzaakt, leed aan te pakken. Zo zullen
verplichtingen voor het aanbrengen van technische verbeteringen in het
ontwerp van wapens, die het aantal ontplofbare oorlogsresten zouden
verminderen, voor rijke landen eenvoudiger te accepteren zijn dan voor arme
landen. Ook zijn er grote verschillen ten aanzien van de afweging tussen het
militaire nut van de inzet van bepaalde wapens en het humanitaire leed dat
overgebleven explosieven van deze wapens kunnen veroorzaken. Ten aanzien van
het verminderen van humanitair leed dat ontplofbare oorlogsresten kunnen
veroorzaken, ziet de regering twee hoofdcategorieën van maatregelen die
genomen kunnen worden, namelijk die welke genomen kunnen worden om te
voorkomen dat ontplofbare oorlogsresten ontstaan, alsmede mogelijke
maatregelen gericht op het voorkomen van slachtoffers indien toch
ontplofbare oorlogsresten zijn ontstaan (verwezen zij naar de eerder
genoemde brief over de Tweede Toetsingsconferentie Conventionele Wapens
Verdrag van 7 december 2001). Het mandaat dat tijdens de
Toetsingsconferentie werd overeengekomen biedt ruim voldoende mogelijkheden
om alle relevante aspecten van beide hoofdcategorieën in de Deskundigengroep
te bespreken.
Antivoertuigmijnen
De Toetsingsconferentie dreigde na enige dagen vast te lopen op het
onderwerp antivoertuigmijnen (formeel gedefinieerd als: "mijnen, anders dan
antipersoneelmijnen"). In mijn voorbeschouwing op de conferentie sprak de
regering al zijn zorgen uit over de haalbaarheid van het voorstel van de
Verenigde Staten en Denemarken inzake de detecteerbaarheid en technische
aanpassingen van antivoertuigmijnen. Een aantal landen had in de loop van
het jaar grote bezwaren tegen deze voorstellen geuit. Niettemin werd het
voorstel ongewijzigd gepresenteerd, ditmaal mede ingediend door tien andere
landen. De tegenstanders, waaronder China, India, Pakistan en de Russische
Federatie spraken vervolgens opnieuw hun bezwaren uit tegen de voorstellen.
In de ogen van deze landen zou aanvaarding van de voorstellen tot gevolg
hebben dat het arme landen onmogelijk zou worden gemaakt mijnen te
produceren of aan te schaffen, terwijl de rijke landen dat wel zouden
kunnen. Ook werd de noodzaak van de voorgestelde aanpassingen in twijfel
getrokken. De Europese Unie steunde het voorstel, maar zag af van
mede-indiening omdat nog onvoldoende debat was gevoerd over mogelijke
aanvullende maatregelen.
De Verenigde Staten dreigden de vooruitgang inzake het ERW-mandaat te
blokkeren indien geen vooruitgang werd geboekt op het voorstel inzake
antivoertuigmijnen op basis van bovengenoemd voorstel.
Na veel informeel overleg en marge van de conferentie konden alle partijen uiteindelijk akkoord gaan met een summier mandaat voor verdere besprekingen over antivoertuigmijnen. Deze besprekingen zullen het komende jaar eveneens in de Deskundigengroep worden gevoerd, onder de coördinatie van Bulgarije.
Kleinkalibermunitie (wondballistiek)
In mijn brief van 7 december 2001 werd gemeld dat enkele verdragspartijen
niet bereid zouden zijn in CWV-kader over kleinkalibermunitie te spreken.
Tijdens de Toetsingsconferentie bleek het daarom ook niet mogelijk een
mandaat te verkrijgen voor verdere besprekingen over dit onderwerp in de
Deskundigengroep die voor ontplofbare oorlogsresten en antivoertuigmijnen is
opgericht. Als voorzitter van Main Committee II, dat voor deze drie
onderwerpen verantwoordelijk was, heeft Nederland gezocht naar een compromis
dat voor alle partijen aanvaardbaar was. De gesprekken daarover vonden in
hoofdzaak plaats tussen de Verenigde Staten en de indiener van het voorstel,
Zwitserland.
Alle partijen konden akkoord gaan met het besluit dat alleen geïnteresseerde
landen verder zouden overleggen over kleinkalibermunitie, maar dat deze
landen wel mogen rapporteren over hun bevindingen aan de Bijeenkomst van
Verdragspartijen in december a.s. Alle relevante onderwerpen kunnen tijdens
deze bijeenkomsten aan de orde komen, onder andere: militaire benodigdheden,
technische aspecten, medische factoren, juridische verplichtingen en
financiële implicaties. De regering is voornemens deel te blijven nemen aan
dit overleg op deskundigenniveau.
Naleving
Een aantal landen, waaronder de Russische Federatie en China, blokkeerde
verdergaande besluiten ter bevordering van de naleving van het CWV-verdrag.
Ook wilden de tegenstanders niet dat de Deskundigengroep de bevordering van
de naleving van het Verdrag zou bespreken. Uiteindelijk kon consensus worden
bereikt over het voeren van consultaties over mogelijkheden de naleving van
het CWV-verdrag te bevorderen en werd de kandidaat voorzitter van het CWV
(India) gemandateerd deze consultaties te leiden en daarover te rapporteren.
Conclusie
De regering is tevreden met het behaalde resultaat van de
Toetsingsconferentie, in het bijzonder met het uitgebreide mandaat voor het
verdere werk inzake ontplofbare oorlogsresten. Daarmee is hopelijk een
eerste stap gezet op weg naar een juridisch bindend instrument dat bruikbaar
is voor het verminderen van het humanitaire leed dat ontplofbare
oorlogsresten kunnen veroorzaken. Nederland heeft een voortrekkersrol kunnen
spelen en de regering is voornemens ook het komende jaar een dergelijke rol
te blijven vervullen.
De conclusie kan worden getrokken dat het Conventionele Wapens Verdrag, dat
in 1980 tot stand kwam, zich sinds de tweede helft van de jaren '90
voorzichtig ontwikkelt tot het dynamische instrument dat het oorspronkelijk
bedoeld was te zijn; een juridisch instrument dat flexibel kan inspelen op
nieuwe ontwikkelingen en behoeften. Tegelijkertijd dient te worden
vastgesteld dat het onwaarschijnlijk is snel vooruitgang te boeken, doordat
voortdurend consensus moet worden gevonden.
Illustratief hiervoor is dat het uitbannen van antipersoneelmijnen alleen
mogelijk was buiten het CWV in een separaat instrument, het Ottawa Verdrag.
De regering streeft naar een zo breed mogelijk gedragen steun voor
maatregelen inzake ontplofbare oorlogsresten en geeft daarom momenteel de
voorkeur aan het CWV als het enige forum voor overleg over deze
problematiek.
DE MINISTER VAN DE MINISTER VAN
BUITENLANDSE ZAKEN, DEFENSIE,
J.J. van Aartsen Mr. F.H.G. de Grave
PART I
Report of the Second Review Conference
REPORT OF THE SECOND REVIEW CONFERENCE OF THE STATES PARTIES TO THE
CONVENTION ON PROHIBITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF CERTAIN
CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS WHICH MAY BE DEEMED TO BE EXCESSIVELY INJURIOUS OR TO
HAVE INDISCRIMINATE EFFECTS
I. Introduction
1. The First Review Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on
Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons
Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate
Effects agreed, inter alia, that future review conferences should be held
more frequently, with consideration to be given to holding a review
conference every five years. In this connection, the Conference decided,
consistent with Article 8.3(c), to convene a further conference five years
following the entry into force of the amendments adopted at the First Review
Conference, but in any case not later than 2001, with preparatory expert
meetings starting as early as 2000, if necessary (Final Declaration, Article
8).
2. At its fifty-fifth session, the General Assembly of the United Nations,
in operative paragraph 4 of its resolution 55/37 of 20 November 2000, inter
alia, recalled the decision of the States Parties to the Convention to
convene the next Review Conference not later than 2001, preceded by a
preparatory committee, and recommended that the Review Conference be held in
Geneva in December 2001. Furthermore, the General Assembly noted that, in
conformity with Article 8 of the Convention, the next Review Conference may
consider any proposal for amendments to the Convention or the Protocols
thereto as well as any proposals relating to other categories of
conventional weapons not covered by existing Protocols to the Convention.
3. Following the recommendation of United Nations General Assembly
resolution 55/37, the Preparatory Committee held three sessions, on 14
December 2000, from 2 to 6 April 2001 and from 24 to 28 September 2001,
respectively. In addition, at its second plenary meeting on 6 April 2001,
the Preparatory Committee decided to convene informal open-ended
consultations in Geneva during the week from 27 to 31 August 2001.
4. The First Preparatory Committee was held at Geneva on 14 December 2000
and it decided, inter alia, that the Second Review Conference would be held
also at Geneva from 11 to 21 December 2001.
5. At its meeting on 14 December 2000, the Preparatory Committee agreed to
recommend that the Conference adopt the Rules of Procedure as contained in
Annex II of document CCW/CONF.II/PC.1/1, that is to apply, mutatis mutandis,
the same Rules of Procedure as adopted by the First Review Conference held
in 1995-1996 with oral amendments. In connection with the adoption of the
Rules of Procedure, the Committee recommended that the President of the
Second Review Conference make the following statement:
"With regard to Rule 34 of the Rules of Procedure, it is affirmed that, in the deliberations and negotiations relating to the Convention and its annexed Protocols, High Contracting Parties have proceeded on the basis of consensus and no decisions have been taken by vote."
6. Furthermore, the Committee approved the estimated costs of the Review
Conference and its three Preparatory Committees.
7. At the first plenary meeting of the Second Preparatory Committee on 2
April 2001, the Committee unanimously decided to nominate Ambassador Les
Luck of Australia as the President-designate of the Review Conference.
8. At the closing plenary meeting of the Third Preparatory Committee on 28
September 2001, the President-designate presented to the Committee a
compilation of the proposals he recommended for consideration at the Second
Review Conference (document CCW/CONF.II/PC.3/1, Annex III).
II. Organisation of the Second Review Conference
9. The Second Review Conference was held at Geneva from 11 to 21 December
2001.
On 11 December 2001, the Conference was opened by the President of the First
Review Conference, Ambassador Johan Molander of Sweden. Subsequently, the
Chairman of the Third Preparatory Committee, Ambassador Les Luck of
Australia, submitted the Report of the Preparatory Committee to the Second
Review Conference for its consideration.
11. At the same meeting, the Conference confirmed by acclamation the
nomination of Ambassador Les Luck of Australia as President of the Review
Conference.
12. At its first plenary meeting, on 11 December 2001, the Review Conference
adopted its agenda as recommended by the Third Preparatory Committee
(CCW/CONF.II/PC.3/1, Annex IV).
13. At the same meeting, the Conference adopted the Rules of Procedure, as
recommended by the First Preparatory Committee. In connection with the
adoption of the Rules of Procedure, the President of the Second Review
Conference made the following statement:
"With regard to Rule 34 of the Rules of Procedure, it is affirmed that, in
the deliberations and negotiations relating to the Convention and its
annexed Protocols, High Contracting Parties have proceeded on the basis of
consensus and no decisions have been taken by vote."
14. At the same plenary meeting, the Conference unanimously confirmed the
nomination of Mr.Vladimir Bogomolov, Political Affairs Officer in the Geneva
Branch of Department for Disarmament Affairs as Secretary-General of the
Conference. The nomination had been made by the Secretary-General of the
United Nations by a letter dated 15 June 2001.
15. At the same plenary meeting, the Conference, in accordance with its
Rules of Procedure and following the recommendation of the Third Preparatory
Committee, unanimously elected 10Vice-
Presidents from the following States Parties: Bangladesh, China, Croatia,
France, Mexico, Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United
States of America.
16. At the same meeting, the Conference also unanimously elected the
Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the Drafting Committee, the two Main
Committees and the Credentials Committee, as follows:
Drafting Committee: Chairman Mr. Munir Akram (Pakistan)
Vice-Chairman Mr. Seiichiro Noboru (Japan)
Main Committee I: Chairman Mr. Rakesh Sood (India)
Vice-Chairman Mr. Clive Pearson (New Zealand)
Main Committee II: Chairman Mr. Chris Sanders (The Netherlands)
Vice-Chairman Mrs. Anda Filip (Romania)
Credentials Committee: Chairman Mr. Peter Kolarov (Bulgaria)
Vice-Chairman Mr. Jean Lint (Belgium)
17. The Conference also appointed, on the proposal of the President,
representatives from the following three States Parties as members of the
Credentials Committee: China, Cuba and Germany.
18. At the same meeting, in accordance with Rule 16 of the Rules of
Procedure, the Conference adopted the arrangements for meeting the costs of
the Conference, as they were reflected in the documents of the Preparatory
Committee (CCW/CONF.II/PC.1/1, Annex III and CCW/CONF.II/PC.2/1, Annex IV).
19. At its first plenary meeting on 11 December, the Conference received a
message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations which was delivered
by the Under Secretary-General of the United Nations for Disarmament
Affairs, Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala.
The following 65 States Parties to the Convention participated in the work
of the Conference: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus,
Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada,
China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Holy See, Hungary, India,
Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New
Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, South
Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and Yugoslavia
(Federal Republic of).
21. The following four Signatory States also participated in the work of the
Conference: Egypt, Morocco, Turkey and Viet Nam.
22. The following 18 States not parties to the Convention participated as
observers: Albania, Armenia, Bahrain, Chile, Eritrea, Honduras, Iran
(Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Oman, Saudi Arabia,
Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Venezuela and Yemen.
23. The representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) also participated in
the work of the Conference.
24. The representatives of the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian
Demining (GICHD), the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL)
(including its member organisations: the American Bar Association, German
Initiative to Ban Landmines, Handicap International (Belgium), Handicap
International (France), Human Rights Watch, International Peace Bureau,
Landmine Action (UK), Landmine Monitor, Lutheran World Federation, Mennonite
Central Committee, Mines Action Canada, and the Quaker United Nations
Office), the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, and the World Forum on
the Future of Sport Shooting Activities (WFSA) attended public meetings of
the Conference.
III. Work of the Second Review Conference
25. Under the presidency of Mr. Les Luck, the Conference held four plenary
meetings. The documentation and summary records of these meetings are
included in the present report.
26. Following the adoption of the Agenda and Rules of Procedure, the
Conference also adopted the Programme of Work and decided to distribute its
work between the two main Committees as follows:
(a) Main Committee I: Review of the scope and operation of the Convention
and its annexed Protocols, consideration of any proposals relating to the
Convention or to Protocols annexed to the Convention, and preparation and
consideration of the final documents;
(b) Main Committee II: Consideration of proposals for additional Protocols
to the Convention.
27. On 11 and 12 December 2001, the Conference held a general exchange of
views. The following delegations participated in that exchange of views:
Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium (on behalf of the
European Union and associated States), Brazil, Canada, Chile, China,
Croatia, Cuba, Egypt, France, Guatemala, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico,
Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Republic of Korea, Russian
Federation, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United States of
America and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The
representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) also
participated in the exchange of views. Non-governmental organisations,
namely the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, the Mennonite Central
Committee and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), also
participated in the exchange of views. Following the national statements,
the President of the Third Annual Conference of States Parties to Amended
Protocol II, Ambassador Christian Faessler of Switzerland presented the
report of the Third Annual Conference.
28. Main Committee I held seven meetings from 13 to 20 December 2001. Its
report, together with the Draft Final Declaration of the Second Review
Conference, was submitted to the Conference at its fourth plenary meeting on
21 December 2001, at which time the Conference took note of the report
(CCW/CONF.II/MC.I/1).
29. Main Committee II held four meetings from 13 to 20 December 2001. The
Chairman of the Committee presented its report to the Conference at its
fourth plenary meeting on 21 December 2001, at which time the Conference
took note of the report (CCW/CONF.II/MC.II/1).
30. The Credentials Committee held two meetings and submitted its report to
the Conference at its fourth plenary meeting on 21 December 2001
(CCW/CONF.II/CC/1). At the same meeting, the Conference approved the report
of the Committee and adopted the draft resolution contained therein.
The Drafting Committee was not convened at the Second Review Conference.
IV. Decisions and Recommendations
32. At its fourth plenary meeting, on 21 December 2001, the Conference
adopted by consensus the Final Declaration of the Review Conference.
33. Also at the same meeting, the Conference approved the cost estimates for
the meeting of States Parties and the intersessional work established by the
Final Declaration (see page 43 and 45, respectively). The Conference
recommended the appointment of Ambassador Rakesh Sood of India as
Chairman-designate of the meeting of States Parties to be held at Geneva
from 12-13 December 2002, and appointed two Coordinators for the Group of
Governmental Experts: Ambassador Chris Sanders of the Netherlands on
Explosive Remnants of War, and Mr Peter Kolarov of Bulgaria on Mines Other
than Anti-Personnel Mines.
34. At the same meeting, the Conference adopted its final report.
PART II
Final Declaration
FINAL DECLARATION
THE HIGH CONTRACTING PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON PROHIBITIONS OR
RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF CERTAIN CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS WHICH MAY BE DEEMED
TO BE EXCESSIVELY INJURIOUS OR TO HAVE INDISCRIMINATE EFFECTS, WHICH MET IN
GENEVA FROM 11 TO 21 DECEMBER 2001, TO REVIEW THE SCOPE AND OPERATION OF THE
CONVENTION AND THE PROTOCOLS ANNEXED THERETO AND TO CONSIDER ANY PROPOSAL
FOR AMENDMENTS OF THE CONVENTION OR OF THE EXISTING PROTOCOLS, AS WELL AS
PROPOSALS FOR ADDITIONAL PROTOCOLS RELATING TO OTHER CATEGORIES OF
CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS NOT COVERED BY THE EXISTING ANNEXED PROTOCOLS
Reaffirmingtheir conviction that the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects can significantly reduce the suffering of civilians and combatants,
Reaffirming their determination to call upon all States that have not done so to become parties to the Convention and its annexed Protocols as soon as possible, so that the instrument attains universal adherence,
Reaffirming the need to reinforce international cooperation in the area of
prohibitions or restrictions on the use of certain conventional weapons
which may be deemed to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate
effects,
Recognising that many armed conflicts are non-international in character,
and that such conflicts should also be within the scope of the Convention,
Gravely concerned that the indiscriminate effects or the irresponsible use
of certain conventional weapons often fall on civilians, including in
non-international armed conflicts,
Recognising the need to protect civilians from the effect of weapons, the
use of which is restricted or prohibited by this Convention and its annexed
Protocols, which take into account all circumstances ruling at the time,
including humanitarian and military considerations,
Reaffirming their unequivocal condemnation of all acts, methods and
practices of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their
motivation, in all their forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomever
committed,
Deeply concerned at the humanitarian and development problems caused by the
presence of explosive remnants of war, which constitute an obstacle to the
return of refugees and other displaced persons, to humanitarian aid
operations, to reconstruction and economic development, as well as to the
restoration of normal social conditions,
Welcoming the entry into force of Amended Protocol on Prohibitions or
Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices (Amended
Protocol II) on 3December 1998,
Noting that the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling,
Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction
entered into force on 1March 1999,
Reaffirming also the need to reinforce international cooperation in the area
of mine action and to devote greater resources towards that end,
Recognising the need to further explore the issue of mines other than
anti-personnel mines, including through reinforced international cooperation
in the area of mine action, and the allocation of necessary resources to
that end,
Welcoming the entry into force of the Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons
(ProtocolIV) on 30 July 1998,
Recognising the crucial role of the International Committee of the Red Cross
and encouraging it to continue to work to facilitate further ratifications
and accessions to the Convention and its annexed Protocols, to disseminate
their contents and to lend its expertise to future Conferences and other
meetings related to the Convention and its annexed Protocols,
Acknowledging the invaluable humanitarian efforts of non-governmental
organisations in armed conflicts and welcoming the expertise they have
brought to the Review Conference itself,
Noting the report of the International Committee of the Red Cross on
"Ensuring respect for the 1868 St. Petersburg Declaration prohibiting the
use of certain explosive projectiles" (dated 18 September 2001). Inviting
States to consider this report and other relevant information, and take any
appropriate action,
SOLEMNLY DECLARE:
Their commitment to respect and comply with the objectives and provisions of
the Convention and its annexed Protocols as an authoritative international
instrument governing the use of certain conventional weapons which may be
deemed to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects,
Their determination to promote universal adherence to the Convention and its annexed Protocols, and to call upon all States that have not yet done so to take all measures to become parties, as soon as possible, to the Convention and to its annexed Protocols. In this regard, the Conference encourages States to cooperate to promote universal adherence,
Their reaffirmation of the principles of international humanitarian law, as
mentioned in the Convention, that "the right of the parties to an armed
conflict to choose methods or means of warfare is not unlimited, and on the
principle that prohibits the employment in armed conflicts of weapons,
projectiles and material and methods of warfare of a nature to cause
superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering" and that "the civilian
population and the combatants shall at all times remain under the protection
and authority of the principles of international law derived from
established custom, from the principles of humanity and from the dictates of
public conscience",
Their determination to extend the application of the Convention and its
annexed Protocols to armed conflicts of a non-international character and,
to that end, their satisfaction with the amendment of Article I of the
Convention,
The importance they attach to the earliest possible entry into force of the
amendment of Article I of the Convention, and their desire that all States,
pending its entry into force, respect and ensure respect for the revised
scope of application of the Convention to the fullest extent possible,
Their commitment to the full implementation of, and compliance with, the
Convention and its annexed Protocols, and to keep the provisions of the
Convention and its annexed Protocols under review in order to ensure their
provisions remain relevant to modern conflicts,
Their determination to consult and cooperate with each other in order to
facilitate the full implementation of the obligations contained in the
Convention and its annexed Protocols, thereby promoting compliance,
Their commitment to reinforce cooperation and assistance, including the transfer of technology as appropriate, with a view to facilitating the implementation of the Convention and its annexed Protocols,
Their determination to address as a matter of urgency the deleterious
humanitarian effects of explosive remnants of war, through a thorough
examination of these effects and possible measures to prevent and remedy
them,
Their commitment to further explore the issue of mines other than
anti-personnel mines (referred to as anti-vehicle mines),
Their satisfaction at the entry into force of Amended Protocol on
Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other
Devices (Amended Protocol II), and at the progress made by the three Annual
Conferences of States Parties to Amended Protocol II, and their
determination to encourage all States to become parties to Amended Protocol
II as soon as possible,
Their conviction that all States should strive towards the goal of the
eventual elimination of anti-personnel mines globally and in this regard
noting that a significant number of States Parties have formally committed
themselves to a prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production and transfer
of anti-personnel mines and on their destruction,
Their continuing commitment to assist, to the extent feasible, impartial
humanitarian demining missions, operating with the consent of the host State
and/or the relevant States Parties to the conflict, in particular by
providing all necessary information in their possession covering the
location of all known minefields, mined areas, mines, booby-traps and other
devices in the area in which the mission is performing its functions,
Their satisfaction at the entry into force of the Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons (Protocol IV), and their determination to encourage all States to become parties to the Protocol as soon as possible,
Their reaffirmation of the recognition by the First Review Conference of the
need for the total prohibition of blinding laser weapons, the use and
transfer of which are prohibited in Protocol IV,
Their recognition of the importance of keeping the blinding effects related
to the use of laser systems under consideration, taking into account
scientific and technological developments,
Their determination to urge States which do not already do so, to conduct
reviews such as that provided for in Article 36 of Protocol I additional to
the 1949 Geneva Conventions, to determine whether any new weapon, means or
methods of warfare would be prohibited by international humanitarian law or
other rules of international law applicable to them,
Their commitment to follow up the review process and, for that purpose, establish a regular review mechanism for the Convention and its amended Protocols, as well as more frequent meetings of States Parties,
RECOGNISE that the important principles and provisions contained in this
Final Declaration can also serve as a basis for further strengthening the
Convention and its annexed Protocols and express their determination to
implement them,
AND
DECIDE to amend Article I of the Convention to read as follows:
"1. This Convention and its annexed Protocols shall apply in the situations referred to in Article 2 common to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 for the Protection of War Victims, including any situation described in paragraph4 of Article I of Additional Protocol I to these Conventions.
2. This Convention and its annexed Protocols shall also apply, in addition
to situations referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, to situations
referred to in Article3 common to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949.
This Convention and its annexed Protocols shall not apply to situations of
internal disturbances and tensions, such as riots, isolated and sporadic
acts of violence, and other acts of a similar nature, as not being armed
conflicts.
3. In case of armed conflicts not of an international character occurring in
the territory of one of the High Contracting Parties, each party to the
conflict shall be bound to apply the prohibitions and restrictions of this
Convention and its annexed Protocols.
4. Nothing in this Convention or its annexed Protocols shall be invoked for
the purpose of affecting the sovereignty of a State or the responsibility of
the Government, by all legitimate means, to maintain or re-establish law and
order in the State or to defend the national unity and territorial integrity
of the State.
5. Nothing in this Convention or its annexed Protocols shall be invoked as a
justification for intervening, directly or indirectly, for any reason
whatever, in the armed conflict or in the internal or external affairs of
the High Contracting Party in the territory of which that conflict occurs.
6. The application of the provisions of this Convention and its annexed
Protocols to parties to a conflict which are not High Contracting Parties
that have accepted this Convention or its annexed Protocols, shall not
change their legal status or the legal status of a disputed territory,
either explicitly or implicitly.
7. The provisions of Paragraphs 2-6 of this Article shall not prejudice
additional Protocols adopted after 1 January 2002, which may apply, exclude
or modify the scope of their application in relation to this Article."
DECIDE to commission follow-up work on decisions arising from the Second
Review Conference of the Convention, under the oversight of the
Chairman-designate of a meeting of the States Parties to the Convention to
be held on 12-13 December 2002 in Geneva, in conjunction with the Fourth
Annual Conference of States Parties to Amended Protocol II, which may begin
on 11December 2002.
DECIDE to establish an open-ended Group of Governmental Experts with
separate Coordinators to:
(a) discuss ways and means to address the issue of Explosive Remnants of War
(ERW). In this context the Group shall consider all factors, appropriate
measures and proposals, in particular:
1. factors and types of munitions that could cause humanitarian problems
after a conflict;
2. technical improvements and other measures for relevant types of
munitions, including sub-munitions, which could reduce the risk of such
munitions becoming ERW;
3. the adequacy of existing International Humanitarian Law in minimising
post-conflict risks of ERW, both to civilians and to the military;
4. warning to the civilian population, in or close to, ERW-affected areas,
clearance of ERW, the rapid provision of information to facilitate early and
safe clearance of ERW, and associated issues and responsibilities;
5. assistance and co-operation.
The Coordinator shall undertake work in an efficient manner so as to submit
recommendations, adopted by consensus, at an early date for consideration by
the States Parties, including whether to proceed with negotiating a
legally-binding instrument or instruments on ERW and/or other approaches.
(b) further explore the issue of mines other than anti-personnel mines. The
Coordinator shall submit a report, adopted by consensus, to the States
Parties.
DECIDE that the Chairman-designate shall undertake consultations during the
intersessional period on possible options to promote compliance with the
Convention and its annexed Protocols, taking into account proposals put
forward, and shall submit a report, adopted by consensus, to the States
Parties.
DECIDE to invite interested States Parties to convene experts to consider
possible issues related to small calibre weapons and ammunition, such as:
- military requirements
- scientific and technical factors/methodology
- medical factors
- legal/treaty obligations/standards
- financial implications
and in this respect, report on their work to the States Parties to the
Convention. These meetings shall have no implications for the CCW budget.
The intersessional work will be undertaken in three sessions during 2002:
20 - 24 May 2002
8 - 19 July 2002 or 22 July - 2 August 2002
2 - 10 December 2002
The Chairman-designate shall consult States Parties on financial
arrangements and the programme of work. The intersessional work will be
conducted in accordance with the Rules of Procedure adopted by the Second
Review Conference of the States Parties to the Convention.
Review of the Preamble
Preambular paragraph 3
The Conference recalls the obligation to determine in the study,
development, acquisition or adoption of a new weapon, means and method of
warfare, whether its employment would, in some or all circumstances, be
prohibited under any rule of international law applicable to the High
Contracting Parties.
Preambular paragraph 8
The Conference reaffirms the need to continue the codification and
progressive development of the rules of international law applicable to
certain conventional weapons which may be excessively injurious or have
indiscriminate effects.
Preambular paragraph 10
The Conference underlines the need to achieve wider adherence to the
Convention and its annexed Protocols. The Conference welcomes recent
ratifications and accessions to the Convention and its annexed Protocols and
urges the High Contracting Parties to accord high priority to their
diplomatic efforts to encourage further adherence with a view to achieving
universal adherence as soon as possible.
Review of the Articles
Article 1 (Scope of application)
The Conference recognises the necessity and the importance of extending the
application of the principles and rules of this Convention to conflicts of a
non-international nature.
The Conference also recognises the right of a State Party to take legitimate
measures to maintain or re-establish law and order in accordance with
paragraph 4 of amended Article 1 of the Convention.
The Conference acknowledges and confirms that the High Contracting Parties agreed to broaden the scope of the Convention by amendment to Article 1. The Conference encourages all States Parties to deposit as soon as possible their instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession of the amendment to Article 1 with the Depositary of the Convention.
Article 2 (Relations with other international agreements)
The Conference reaffirms that nothing in the Convention or its annexed Protocol shall be interpreted as detracting from other obligations imposed upon the High Contracting Parties by international humanitarian law.
Article 3 (Signature)
The Conference notes the provisions of Article 3.
Article 4 (Ratification, acceptance, approval or accession)
The Conference notes that 88 States have ratified, accepted, acceded or
succeeded to the Convention.
The Conference calls upon States which are not parties to this Convention to
ratify, accept, approve or accede, as appropriate, to the Convention, thus
contributing to the achievement of universal adherence to the Convention.
The Conference, in this context, invites the High Contracting Parties to encourage further accessions to the Convention and its annexed Protocols.
Article 5 (Entry into Force)
This Conference notes the provisions of Article 5.
Article 6 (Dissemination)
The Conference encourages international cooperation in the field of
dissemination of the Convention and its annexed Protocols and recognises the
importance of multilateral collaboration relating to instruction, the
exchange of experience at all levels, the exchange of instructors and the
organisation of joint seminars. The Conference underlines the importance of
the High Contracting Parties' obligation to disseminate this Convention and
its annexed Protocols, and, in particular to include the content in their
programmes of military instruction at all levels.
The Conference requests the United Nations Secretary General to make all
documents relating to the Convention available on the United Nations
website.
Article 7 (Treaty relations upon entry into force of this Convention)
The Conference notes the provisions of Article 7.
Article 8 (Review and amendments)
The Conference agrees that future Review Conferences should continue to be
held on a regular basis.
The Conference decides, consistent with Article 8.3(c) to convene a further
Conference five years following the entry into force of the amendments
adopted at the Second Review Conference, but in any case not later than
2006, with preparatory meetings starting as early as 2005, if necessary.
The Conference welcomes the adoption of the text of an amended Article 1 of the Convention in accordance with subparagraph 3(a) of this Article.
The Conference proposes that the next Review Conference consider further measures in relation to other conventional weapons, which may be deemed to cause unnecessary suffering or to have indiscriminate effects.
The Conference decides to convene a meeting of High Contracting Parties on
12-13 December 2002 in Geneva.
Article 9 (Denunciation)
The Conference notes with satisfaction that the provisions of this Article
have not been invoked.
Article 10 (Depositary)
The Conference notes the provisions of Article 10.
Article 11 (Authentic texts)
The Conference notes the provisions of Article 11.
Review of the Protocols
Protocol on Non-Detectable Fragments (Protocol I)
The Conference takes note of the provisions of this Protocol.
Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices (Protocol II) and Technical Annex to the Protocol
The Conference takes note of the provisions of this Protocol.
Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps
and Other Devices as amended on 3 May 1996 (Amended Protocol II) and
Technical Annex to the Protocol
The Conference acknowledges that the High Contracting Parties strengthened
Protocol II in a number of areas at the First Review Conference, and takes
note of the provisions of Amended Protocol II and welcomes its entry into
force.
The Conference also notes with satisfaction that in accordance with Article
13 of Amended Protocol II, three Annual Conferences of High Contracting
Parties were held for the purpose of consultations and cooperation on all
issues related to Amended Protocol II.
The Conference recommends that future Annual Conferences of High Contracting
Parties of Amended Protocol II coincide with any meetings of High
Contracting Parties to the Convention.
The Conference takes note of the reporting obligations of High Contracting
Parties under Amended Protocol II, and calls on High Contracting Parties to
fulfill these obligations in a timely, consistent and complete manner.
The Conference acknowledges the valuable work of relevant agencies and bodies of the United Nations; of the International Committee of the Red Cross pursuant to its mandate to assist war victims and of NGOs in a number of fields, in particular the care and rehabilitation of mine victims, implementation of mine-awareness programmes and mine clearance.
Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Incendiary Weapons
(Protocol III)
The Conference takes note of the provisions of this Protocol.
Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons (Protocol IV to the 1980 Convention)
The Conference takes note of the provisions of this Protocol and welcomes
its entry into force.
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