Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4864th meeting, 19 Nov. 2003, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The importance of mine action for peacekeeping operations"]

Expresses its grave concern at the harmful and widespread impact of landmines and unexploded ordnance on civilian populations, especially children, and on humanitarian UN workers; urges all Member States to respect relevant international law that adresses landmines and unexploded ordnance; urges all parties to armed conflicts to abide by the mine-related commitments, and to cooperate with mine risk education and mine-clearing activities; calls upon the Secretary-General to provide information on the scope and humanitarian impact of the mine and unexplode ordnance problem; urges Member States to provide adequate and sustained financial assistance to support mine action and increase their contributions to the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Demining.

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