Assistance in mine action

Calls for the continuation of UN efforts, with the asssistance of States and institutions as appropriate, to foster the establishment of national capacities in mine clearance, mine awareness and victim assistance in mine-affected countries; expresses its appreciation to Governments, regional organizations and other donors for their financial and in-kind contributions to mine action and appeals for their continued financial support, including contributions through the Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action; emphasizes the importance of developing a comprehensive information management system for mine action; welcomes recent approaches with regard to the establishement of mine-action coordinator centres; calls upon Member States to provide the necessary information and technical and material assistance, as appropriate, and to locate, remove, destroy or otherwise render ineffective minefields, mines, booby traps and other devices in accordance with international law, as soon as possible; urges Member States and regional, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and foundations that have the ability to do so to provide, as appropriate, technological assistance to mine-infested countries and to promote scientific research and development on humanitarian mine-clearance techniques and technology so that mine-clearance activities may be carried out more effectively at lower cost and through safer means and to promote international collaboration in this regard; welcomes the initiation of the revision of international mine-clearance standards and the development of guidelines for the use of mine-detection dogs and mechanical mine-clearance equipment, as well as the development of an international test and evaluation programme.

Adopted without vote, 84th meeting

5 p.

Adopted at the 84th plenary meeting, 17 Dec. 1999.