Mine Clearance

Victim Assistance

Universalization

Mine Risk Education

Retrofit Survey

Stockpiles

Universalization Activities

Jordan signed the Mine Ban Convention in August 1998 and ratified it in November 1998. The Convention came into force on 1 May 1999, and hence the completion deadline for Jordan under its Article 5 obligations is May 2009. As one of the first countries to sign and ratify the Mine Ban convention in the Middle East, Jordan has had a positive influence on spreading both the spirit and letter of the global landmine campaign. The global advocacy work done by Her Majesty Queen Noor, demonstrates Jordan's longstanding progressive approach and leadership in helping the world rid itself of landmines. This commitment has been carried forward by His Majesty King Abdullah II who is deeply concerned and determined to make Jordan free of mines. His appointment of His Royal Highness, Prince Mired Bin Raad, to act as Chairman of the National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation (NCDR) is a further illustration of the concern Jordan places on the landmine issue. Jordan has taken the lead in mine action in the Arab Region being the first country to sign in the Middle East. It has built a considerable amount of experience which it has shared with other Arab countries through individual consultation and exchange visits. It has also made extensive efforts in lobbying for the Convention all over the Arab world. Jordan played a leading role in the operationalization and implementation of the Convention by accepting the responsibility of Co-Chairing the Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Educations, and Mine Clearance Technologies. The Standing Committee meetings allowed Jordan to raise issues and concerns that are germane not only to its obligations, but also those of its Arab neighbours. Jordan's latest universalization initiative is to carry out high-level visits to the Gulf Region, in an effort to persuade more countries to join the MBC. These will be followed by a workshop to discuss the Ottawa Process and Mine Action as well as to raise the level of ownership and responsibility in the region. An underlying theme throughout the workshop will be the considerable humanitarian, development, and political benefits signatories can gain through joining the Convention. Eighth Meeting of the States Parties in the Mine Ban Convention (8MSP) Perhaps one of the most exciting planned activities related to universalization is our hosting the 8th Meeting of States Parties in 2007 along the shores of the historic Dead Sea. The fact that Jordan is one of the pioneers in mine action in the region, the stable political conditions it is blessed within a turbulent region, its sincere efforts at universalizing the Convention as well as peace building and demilitarization, and the fact that the Meeting of States Parties was never held in our region, make Jordan the ideal candidate for holding the 8th States Parties Meeting. On our part, we see it as a reinforcement of our role in the region and a step forward contributing to the Universalization of the Convention in the Arab world. The 8th Meeting of States Parties will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II and is expected to bring together 800 participants from over 150 countries and international organizations. H.R.H. Prince Mired Al Hussein will act as president of the meeting on behalf of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, subject to approval by the States Parties. By hosting the 8MSP, Jordan will be in an even stronger position to raise the issue of landmines in the Arab world, while at the same time help to demonstrate to the international community the challenges of the Convention from the Arab perspective.