This document is available for download in WORD.
Click here to download the document
The following text is the introduction of the document.
Introduction
Whilst the ongoing civil war in Sudan currently precludes the implementation of a conventional systematic Mine Action programme, there are a number of immediate actions that will not only address some of the immediate needs of the civilian population, but will also serve to build trust on all sides and thereby assist with the current peace process.
Many of these actions have already been identified as a result of the field assessment conducted in November 2000 on behalf of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Partner Forum Working Group and are currently being implemented through the European Union (EU) funded, Sudan Landmines Information and Response Initiative (SLIRI). The findings of this assessment are detailed at Reference A.
Both the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) fully acknowledge that the role of the United Nations (UN) in global Mine Action has been repeatedly reaffirmed and supported by Resolutions of the UN General Assembly and that the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is designated as the UN focal point for Mine Action. Therefore Both the GoS and the SPLM welcome the early engagement of UNMAS in emergency mine action assistance in Sudan on the basis of UN mine action policy (A/53/496/Annex II) and in accordance with the latest Resolution of the General Assembly on Emergency Assistance to the Sudan (A/RES/56/112, OP.14). Such engagement is also recognised and recommended in the IGAD Assessment Report and its timely implementation should seek to move forward in co-operation and accord with all current and future initiatives to achieve tangible and lasting results that may be subsequently built upon, in a post conflict Sudan, to alleviate the threat posed to the lives and livelihood of the local population by landmines and Un-Exploded Ordnance (UXO).
The GoS are a signatory to the Ottawa Convention and the SPLM have made recent commitments to comply with a Non States Actors, parallel, instrument subjecting themselves to the same obligations on mine use as States Parties to the Ottawa Convention.
In recognition of the fact that the civil war is still ongoing but with acknowledgment that there are certain actions that may be carried out as a precursor, and potential catalyst, to peace, it is not the intention of this Outline Concept Plan to set up a conventional mine action structure but rather to put in place a series of key functions that address immediate needs and are flexible enough to respond to additional, future, needs. Such measures may be easily built upon and developed over time into fully functioning, operationally valid, proven and effective components of a National Mine Action Plan. These immediate activities are listed below and will be presented in detail later in this document:
a. Gather information, identify, map and analyse impact of all known Dangerous Areas.
b. Implement an effective information distribution network.
c. Assist with the creation and development of an emergency national, mine clearance capability.
d. Ensure all Mine Action (MA) needs in Nuba Mountains are actioned swiftly and effectively.
e. Develop a relevant and effective Mine Awareness/Information distribution package.
f. Establish Management Presence In Khartoum With Field Offices at the Local Level.
It is important that all such actions are carried out within the framework of a future, single mine action structure and understood and supported by all parties before implementation. Close co-operation and support should be gained from the national authorities and whichever party controls individual areas. Each must be fully informed as to the status of current and planned activities, in all areas. Follow on actions will also include:
g. Consult with all parties to identify previously mined areas that now serve no further military utility and may now be cleared. Identify high impact, immediate action areas and mobilise adequate resources to clear and/or mark them.
h. Develop and implement a recognized and workable Quality Assurance (QA) monitoring system.
i. Establish a certification process to accredit all Mine Clearance/Risk Reduction Organisations (incl National organizations) seeking to work in country.
j. Assist with the development and capacity building of an appropriate, national, mine action co-ordination body (National Mine Action Office).
k. Develop and publish National Mine Action Standards.
l. Support the development of a sustainable national, mine clearance capability.
m. Assist with the development of a nationally integrated, but regionally based mine victim assistance and reintegration process.
n. Plan for a National Landmine/UXO Impact survey to conclusively identify all areas contaminated with mines and UXO.
o. Establish a Public Information plan. Develop a systematic National Mine Action Plan that may be implemented, at short notice, when the political and military climate allows. This should prioritise and co-ordinate Mine Clearance operations in support of the objective.
|
