New York

28 February 2019

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention

The Secretary-General welcomes the 20th anniversary on 1 March of the entry into force of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention – a Convention that has saved countless lives, stopped mutilation and injury and enabled the revitalization of livelihoods.  
 
The Secretary-General commends the commitment of the States parties to rid the world of a weapon that kills and maims indiscriminately, while seriously impeding peace and development.  He congratulates the 31 States who have declared their country to be mine-free and urges all States that have not done so to accede as soon as possible to the Convention.
 
The Secretary-General calls for accelerated efforts to render anti-personnel mines a relic of the past.  He also appeals to States to ensure access to sustainable assistance and services for the thousands of mine victims.
 
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General