L’Algérie présente à Genève un projet de résolution sur la lutte contre les mines antipersonnel
Summary of the Resolution on the Impact of Landmines Presented by Algeria at the UN
On Friday in Geneva, Rachid Bladehane, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office, presented a resolution focused on addressing the issue of landmines at the Human Rights Council. This initiative, titled "Impact of Landmines on the Full Enjoyment of All Human Rights" (resolution L.21), is backed by a coalition of countries including South Africa, Croatia, Mozambique, Peru, the United Kingdom, Vanuatu, and Algeria itself. This resolution is timely, coinciding with the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
The Need for Collective Action
Bladehane emphasized that the fight against anti-personnel mines is fundamentally tied to human rights advocacy. He stated, "The fight against landmines is a battle for human rights" and noted that such battles require strong international cooperation and concrete actions rather than political agendas. Recognizing the importance of an inclusive dialogue, Bladehane underscored that the group adopted a constructive and transparent approach while drafting the resolution, engaging in open consultations with diverse delegations to ensure broad support.
Bladehane called upon all Council members to unite in their efforts to pass this resolution, which serves as a tribute to victims and survivors of landmines. He urged that the resolution transcends political boundaries by fostering collective and empathetic strategies to address a humanitarian crisis.
The Dehumanizing Effects of Landmines
The representative illustrated the severe implications of landmines, noting that they inflict considerable harm primarily on civilians, particularly children. He argued that these explosives violate the most fundamental human right: the right to life. The terror instigated by landmines fosters an environment of fear, undermining the right to personal security and obstructing freedom of movement by rendering nature, roads, and communities potential death traps.
Environmental and Social Consequences
Beyond the immediate physical dangers, the presence of landmines poses serious ecological threats. Bladehane argued that landmines lead to significant environmental degradation, hampering sustainable development in affected regions. He highlighted that the repercussions extend to strained healthcare systems in developing countries, where treatment for the thousands of injured victims overwhelms resources.
Moreover, he pointed out that the psychological toll on survivors and their families is profound, with victims enduring deep trauma, social stigma, and a loss of hope for a better future. The psychological aftermath of landmine injuries can be as debilitating as the physical consequences.
Global Efforts and Acknowledgment
In his remarks, Bladehane recognized the important contributions made by various organizations in the anti-mines initiative, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and others. He praised their efforts to alleviate the suffering caused by landmines and stressed that collaboration with civil society, particularly organizations like the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), is crucial in effectively addressing this humanitarian issue.
Conclusion
Rachid Bladehane’s presentation at the UN stands as a call to action for the international community to prioritize the resolution against landmines, thereby not only honoring victims but actively working to mitigate the long-standing effects of these remnants of war. The proposed resolution seeks to unify global efforts and advocate for a world free from the scourge of landmines, reaffirming the linkage between human rights, public safety, and environmental sustainability. By rallying support for such initiatives, the international community can pave the way for a safer and more equitable future for all, particularly for those who have been tragically affected by the consequences of these hazardous devices.
