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MESSAGE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL JOSÉ MIGUEL INSULZA ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS

Today we remember all victims of landmines worldwide. We remember their communities and their families who are pained with the loss of a child, spouse, parent or other relative. We honor the survivors whose lives are changed forever, who face the daily challenges of rehabilitation and socio – economic inclusion, and those who once again return as productive members of their communities.

It is also a day to recognize our achievements in striving to eliminate the threat of landmines, in educating communities, and in assisting victims in all matters of rehabilitation and social reintegration. The vision of a mine-safe western hemisphere continues to become a reality thanks to the support of OAS efforts from the international community of donors. The successful completion of OAS demining efforts in Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Suriname serve as a testament to our success and an inspiration to our ongoing projects.

In 1991 the task of removing hundreds of thousands of antipersonnel mines, and restoring livelihood to the thousands of victims from conflict ravaged regions of Central America, seemed impossible. Nevertheless, the OAS responded to the call of the Central American states with the creation of the “Program of Assistance for Demining in Central America” designed to support humanitarian demining efforts in the region. Our resourcefulness proved successful and the program soon extended its benefits to South America as the “Comprehensive Action against Antipersonnel Mines” (AICMA) assistance program. Today the AICMA program is far reaching in its scope, offering assistance in demining, mine risk education, victim assistance, and the removal of explosive remnants of war (ERW). With recent support from Canada, Italy, Norway, Spain, and the United States our humanitarian efforts continue to be successful.

After recently commemorating the 15 year anniversary of the OAS Mine Action Program, we look forward to the completion of demining efforts in Nicaragua by 2009, so Central America can become the first post-conflict region of the world to become mine safe. Recognizing the threat to human safety that explosive remnants of war pose (ERW), we also look forward to increasing our support to member states for the destruction of obsolete and unsafe munitions.

On this International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, let us join the international community remembering the victims of landmines. Let us renew our commitment not only to safeguard our communities but to improve them as well. Through the removal of landmines, we are not just saving lives but establishing conditions for the social and economic growth of hundreds of the affected communities; through victim rehabilitation and social reintegration, landmine survivors have a chance for success and happiness.

Reference: MESSAGE