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Call for photos on gender and Mine Action

ICBL has a call for photos representing gender and diversity in mine action. The selected photographs will be exhibited during the 10MSP in Geneva.

The call details could be found on this link as a PDF file

You can forward your photos electronically to info@scbl-gender.ch

We warmly encourage you to submit photos that will help illustrate the gender and diversity issues in mine action.

Celebration of CCM entry into force, 1st August 2010:

Under the motto "beat the drums to ban cluster munitions"

Sudan CBL, JASMAR and ABRAR and in collaboration with National Mine Action Centre organized the Sudan celebration of CCM entry into force. The event took place at the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under the auspices of the minister of Humanitarian Affair.

About 200 participants have celebrated the event. Among the participants were state minister of Humanitarian Affairs, representatives from the Defense, Foreign Affairs, Justice ministries and DDRC. The ambassadors of United Kingdom and Norway were there. UNMAO, UNDP, international NGOs (DCA, MAG), national NGOs and Media were also participated.

During the celebration three speeches delivered by Abdelatie Abdelkhair Sudan CBL Coordinator, UNMAO Deputy Director and Dr. Mutrif Sidig the state minister. The minister affirmed that Sudan is not affected by cluster munitions, but it is sharing the solidarity with the affected nations worldwide. He added that once Sudan joined MBT despite it is affected by landmine, there is no any reason for Sudan not to join the CCM. He hopes that Sudan will be a treaty member by the coming state parties meeting in Lao next November 2010.

CMC DVD displayed during the celebration. Local band presented drumming sessions.

he celebration covered by Sudan national TV in its main news, Blue Nile TV and Elshroog TV as well as Omruman radio. Many news papers highlighted the event.

Launch of August 1st website:

This website is devoted to announce the CCM entry into force and its accompanied events worldwide. The website is a good support for the CCM campaign towards world free of cluster munitions.

The website is on this link: http://www.august1.org

Sudan August 1st celebration has a web-page shows the progress and Sudan CBL activities in advocating for the CCM. The web-page address is: http://www.august1.org/events/africa/sudan

MBT Standing Committees Meetings, 21st – 25th Jun. 2010, Geneva:

These meetings have been held within participation of state parities, ICBL, UN, GICHD (organizers), ICRC and other interested foundations.

The conference has discussed the CCM overall situation, stockpile destruction, VA, socio-economic re-integration, clearance, MRE and international cooperation/support. The conference listened to the state parties’ commitments and achievements.

On the other hand, ICBL has organized series of workshops and seminars on the new shape of the mine/cluster munitions monitor and linking between MA and development.

Mr. Abdelatie Abdelkhier - Sudan CBL Coordinator and Abu Osama Abdalla - Sudan CBL Advocacy Coordinator - have participated. Mr. Abu Osama has delivered the speech of ICBL on VA and comprehensive development.

Santiago international conference to ban Cluster Munitions, 7th – 9th June 2010:

This conference has been held in Santiago (Chile). The opening session addressed by the representatives of UN, CM survivors, IRC, CMC and some Chilean’s ministers. 98 states have participated including 13 non-state members in the agreement (Sudan among them).

120 CMC representatives were participated (Civil Society Organizations). GICHD and UN agencies were also at presence.

 This conference came before the 1st state parties meeting which will be held in Nov. 2010 in Laos (the most affected state by the CM).

During its sessions the conference has discussed the preparations for the 1st parties meeting. Moreover, many reports were presented on the CCM situation and its track history.

 A road map proposal has been developed for the 1st parties meeting. On the other hand, papers on national arrangements, administrative issues, fund and procedural issues presented by Laos, UNDP, CMC and Ireland.

 Mr. Abu Osama Abdallah has participated representing Sudan CBL and among the CMC delegation.

 

Ratification of the cluster munitions convention: Entry into force is coming up

Sudan CBL, JASMAR, ABRAR and NMAC will join the event on through "beating the drums campaign", 1st August 2010.

 
An international treaty banning cluster bombs will enter into force in August after it was ratified by a 30th country.
Burkina Faso and Moldova became the latest states to ratify the treaty.
The convention bans the production and use of cluster munitions and obliges states to compensate victims.
First developed during World War II, cluster bombs contain a number of smaller bomblets designed to cover a large area and deter an advancing army.
But campaigners, including some in the military, have long argued they are outmoded and immoral because of the dangers posed to civilians from bombs that do not explode and litter the ground like landmines.
The treaty is binding only on countries that have signed and ratified it.
Since the convention was opened for signature in Oslo in 2008, 104 countries have signed on but only 30 have ratified.
Some of the biggest stockpilers - including the US, Russia, China and Israel - are not among the signatories.
Some major European states - including France, Germany and Spain - have ratified the convention. The UK and Italy have signed, but not ratified.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the 30 ratifications a "major advance on the global disarmament agenda" and said the treaty's entry into force "demonstrates the world's collective revulsion at the impact of these terrible weapons".
The CMC said the first meeting of states that have ratified the convention would be held in November in Laos, the country most heavily contaminated by cluster munitions as a result of US bombing more than 30 years ago.

The regional conference of the implementation and universalization of the CCM, Pretoria, South Africa, 25th – 26th Mar. 2010:

This conference has been held within the participation of 100 participants who came from 35 African countries, UN representatives, CM survivors, IRC, CMC, South Africa foreign ministry, the deputy of the Norwegian foreign minister and representatives from Ireland and Norway.

Sudan was participated by 2 representatives from minister of defence and foreign affairs. Mr. Abu Osama Abdalla – JASMAR ED – participated representing Sudan CBL and among the CMC delegation.

This conference is the 3rd from its kind in Africa and held after the ratification of the required number of states to get into force (30 states). The conference aimed to re-orient about the agreement and to urge the states to sign and ratify on. It is also aimed to explore the coming up implementation stage.

The conference has discussed many issues as:

  • Orientation about the agreement itself through various working papers.

  • Explore the African states' situations towards the agreement signing and ratification.

  • Implementation of the agreement and the international assistance and cooperation.

The CMC presented its remarks throughout the conference sessions, Mr. Abu Osama presented one of these remarks.

It is worthwhile to mention to the first coming up states’ members conference in LaoDRC (the most affected country by the CM) which will be held in November 2010. A preparatory meeting for this purpose will be held in Chile in August 2010. It is worthwhile to mention to the agreement entry into force in August 1st, 2010.

 

Civil Society Leaders Issue Letter to President Obama Urging

 U.S. to Join Mine Ban Treaty

WASHINGTON, DC: Leaders from 65 nongovernmental organizations delivered a letter to President Obama Monday urging the U.S. to relinquish antipersonnel landmines and join the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty without delay.

In the letter delivered to President Obama, civil society leaders stressed the importance of the ban, and stated, “Landmines are indiscriminate killers, whether persistent landmines or those designed to self-destruct after a period of time. They are triggered by the victim and cannot distinguish between an enemy combatant, a U.S. soldier, a mother working in the fields or young children on their way to school. Past and ongoing deployment of these weapons by state armies and nonstate groups continues to undermine stability and development, exacerbate human suffering and burden many of the world’s weak and failing states.”

The letter, which first congratulates the administration on initiating the landmine policy review that this group of leaders requested in a letter delivered in February 2009, also urges that the U.S. policy review process is timely, inclusive and aimed at accession to the Mine Ban Treaty. It calls on the President to submit the treaty to the Senate for its advice and consent before the end of 2010.

"As this letter demonstrates, a large number of nongovernmental organizations strongly support the total prohibition of antipersonnel mines due to the weapon’s devastating impact on civilians," said Zach Hudson, the coordinator of the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines (USCBL). "It is crucial that these voices are heard during the current U.S. landmine policy review. Our coalition includes landmine survivors and groups that have been working to eradicate landmines for more than two decades.”

The United States began a comprehensive landmine policy review in late 2009 at the direction of President Obama. The U.S. has not used antipersonnel mines since 1991 (in the first Gulf War), has not exported them since 1992, has not produced them since 1997 and is the biggest donor to mine clearance programs around the world. However, it still retains 10.4 million stockpiled antipersonnel mines for potential future use and has not joined the 1997 treaty prohibiting the weapon. In 1998 President Clinton set the goal of joining the treaty in 2006, but President Bush reversed course in 2004 and declared the U.S. would not join.

A total of 156 countries are party to the Mine Ban Treaty, including nearly all major U.S. military allies. Civil society leaders note that the use of weapons that disproportionately take the lives and limbs of civilians is wholly counterproductive in today’s conflicts—where winning over the local population is essential to mission success, and that the rest of the world recognizes that the human costs of these weapons far outweigh any perceived military utility.

Through the work of the USCBL and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), campaigners from around the world have been meeting with dozens of U.S. embassies and U.S. representatives during March to urge the U.S. to ban antipersonnel mines and join the Mine Ban Treaty.

MIUSA's WILD program, August 6 - 29, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon, USA

Apply by March 1 for MIUSA's WILD Program

MIUSA's 5th International Women's Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) will bring together approximately 25 women leaders with disabilities to strengthen leadership skills, create new visions and build international networks of support.

When?

WILD will take place .

What?

During the 3-week program, participants will take part in workshops and discussions, conduct on-site visits, and participate in team-building activities, to explore challenges and exchange strategies for increasing leadership opportunities and employment of women and girls with disabilities internationally.


Language?

The official languages of WILD are English and American Sign Language (ASL). Arabic, French and Spanish language interpreters will be provided based on need of the selected delegation. Applications are available in English, Arabic / ???????, Française, and Español at: http://www.miusa.org/exchange/wild2010 <http://www.miusa.org/exchange/wild2010/index_html> .


Who Can Apply?

Emerging and established women leaders with disabilities from around the world who demonstrate:

* Personal experience with disability, an understanding of issues, and a commitment to working for the rights of women and girls with disabilities

* Membership in an organization led by and for people with disabilities, or by and for women, with particular attention to issues of women and girls with disabilities; or employment in a business or program committed to inclusion of women and girls with disabilities

* Commitment to and capacity for increasing leadership opportunities and employment of women with disabilities in the community and/or country


Program Cost?

Total cost is USD$250 - Includes all travel, food, lodging and program costs. Scholarships are available.


How to Apply?

Application deadline is March 1, 2010. Download the application and learn more about the WILD program here!
<http://www.miusa.org/exchange/wild2010/index_html>

The 2nd review conference of the Mine Ban Treaty MBT, Cartagena (Colombia), 29th Nov. – 4th Dec. 2009:

This conference has been within the participation of 122 countries and NGOs (Sudan is one of them).

The opening session has been addressed by the Colombian president, H.E. Suzan Eiki selected as a conference chairperson, her deputies and the conference board have been also selected.

The conference discussed many issues as the MBT implementation situation during 2004 – 2009 (since 1st review conference), victim assistance, generalization of MBT– the engaged countries now are 156 (80% of world countries), international cooperation and assistance, mines clearance, stockpile destruction.

It is worth mentioning that some necessary countries are still out of the MBT as Russia, China, USA “despite of its first participation”, Egypt, India, Israel and Saudi Arabia).

The victim assistance pillar has found the most concentration. Regarding the mines clearance four countries (Argentina, Cambodia, Tajikistan and Uganda) have requested to extend its allowed period (10 years since MBT entry into force). On other hand, four other countries declared its completion of mines clearance (Albania, Rwanda, Zambia and Greece). Three countries couldn’t fulfill its commitment regarding stockpile destruction during the determined period (4 years after MBT entry into force), that countries are Turkey, Belorussia and Greece and Ocarina. 

It was agreed to hold the 10th meeting in Geneva, Nov. 2010 and the steering committees meeting also in Geneva, Jul. 2010.

Sudan has participated through a written comment presented by Dr. Ahmed Albadawi. Also Dr. Abdelbagi Aljaielani – Minister of the Humanitarian Affairs – delivered Sudan statement. Sudan delegation held series of meetings with, UNMAS, Canadian Switzerland, Kuwait delegations, ICBL and CMC.

ICBL held a workshop on Victim Assistance as a side event two days before the conference convening. After the conference ICBL and Cluster Munitions Coalition held a meeting where the future cooperation has been discussed. The meeting also addressed the issue of the future work plan for the two networks.

Conference outcomes for follow-up:

  1. Cartagena 5 years plan. Furthermore, the Cartagena declaration has been adopted and each country should formulate its plan accordingly.
  2. Sudan main commitment toward MBT is the completion of mines clearance up to Apr. 2014.
  3. To prepare Victim Assistance 5 years plan.
   

Presentation of Landmines Monitor Report 2009, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, 16th Nov. 2009

This event has been organized by Sudan CBL through fund from ICBL. It aimed to enlighten the stakeholders on the international progress on Mine Action as well as the national one. This event also has been devoted to advocate for the new Cluster Munitions Convention.

Many Government officials have participated led by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Director of National Mine Action Centre, UNMAO Director and Mine Action Capacity Development Advisor (UNDP).

Event Activities:

Presentation of Landmines Monitor Report:

Sudan CBL Director (Mr. Abdelatie Abdelkhier) delivered this presentation where he focused on the MA pillars progress worldwide.

He has declared the national progress on the same field. The presentation has also covered the national fulfilness regarding the stockpile destruction.

In addition to that, 40 copies of the landmines monitor full report have been printed and distributed to the participants.

On behalf of UNDP - Mr. Qadeem Tarig – Senior Technical Advisor – delivered his speech where he explained the most important progress on MA in Sudan.

He has also re-affirmed the necessity of being part of the Cluster Munitions Convention.

Mr. Nagil Forestal - UNMAO Director - addressed the participants he promised that Sudan is going to achieve its mine action mission in North Sudan and South Sudan in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

This speech presented by Colonel Khalid Abdeen – NMAC Director, he acknowledged the leading role of the UN, INGOs and NNGOs to fulfill their commitment regarding Mine Action in Sudan as well as SCBL particularly on related treaties advocacy. He has also emphasized on the coordination of national authorities, UN, SCBL and NNGOs particularly on data collection and reporting stages.

Mr. Charles Maniang – Undersecretary Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Ministry – addressed the gathering, he has explained the value of being part of the international agreements particularly the unanimous ones. So, he has invited the related authorities to study the Cluster Munitions Convention and to sign. The contracted article/s on the convention with the national policies should be declared should be mentioned as Reservations, the Undersecretary said.

The event has been covered by the public media through the national TV, Alshoroq TV, the National Radio and Akhir Lahza daily newspaper. SCBL Director spoke to the media and answered their questions on the event, MA current situation in Sudan and the remained challenges. He has also re-invited to sign the Cluster Munitions Convention.

The following documents are available on the following links links:

1. LM 2009 full report

2. LM 2009 Presentation

 

National Technical Standards and Guidelines NTSG:

As part of Sudan CBL coordination role on the field of Mine Action in Sudan, Sudan CBL website is keen to share the Mine Action information with the related partners and stakeholders. For the documentation purpose and information sharing you can find NTSG full document on the following compressed file:

NTSG Full documentation

 

Cartagena Summit, 29th Nov - 4th Dec. 2009:

Cartagena summit on a mine-free world will be held in Cartagena (Colombia). So far 65 states have confirmed participation in the Summit, including close to 30 high level representatives (minister or higher). Useful documents on the event are available on our website, that are

1. Memo for government delegates

2. Call to action (come, share, commit and share)

ICBL latest news

Our international network ICBL has regular newsletter that explain the running progress on Mine Action and the related international conventions. You can read the latest newsletter by click on the following link:

ICBL newsletter for September 2009

The 2nd meeting for states’ members in the Convention for the Rights of People With Disabilities CRPW, 2nd - 4th Sep. 2009:

This meeting has been held in UN HQ in New York under the motto “the legislative procedures for the convention implementation”.

Some speeches delivered by the conference chairperson, Deputy of UN General Secretary, the chairperson of monitoring committee and civil society organizations representative. Then the states members delivered their speeches, Sudan diplomatic delegation in New York delivered Sudan speech.

The meeting discussed many working papers that included:

  • Facilitation of PWDs access to the public services, information and communication.

  • Equality in front of law, facilitation access to justice and assistance in decision making.

  • The impact of the global economic crisis – the poverty and convention implementation.

  • Enlightenment by the UN CPWDs related agencies on the implementation situation.

It was agreed to hold the 3rd meeting on the 1st week of sep. 2010, 6 members will be elected for UN monitoring committee (instead of those who have completed their term). In addition to that, other 6 members will be elected for the same committee after increasing the members from 12 to 18, that would be applied after the states members reach 80 members.

The meeting accompanied with some side events as enlightenment on the convention, identifying of the legislations, legislative procedures to transmit from guardianship mode to assistance mode in decision making, reading of article 12 in CRPWDs, respond to children and youth needs in CRPDWs implementation, realizing the MDGs, support the agenda of PWDs in development and global design of buildings for accessibility.

Mr. Abo Osama Abdalla – JASMAR Executive Director – represented JASMAR in this event.

VA group coordination meeting, 29th July, 2009, NMAC

This meeting had been attended by 13 VA group members.

Briefing carried out by the meeting chairperson Dr. Ahmed Albadawi on Victim Assistance current situation and NMAC paid mission to Darfur.

Afterwards the group presented their reports on the Victim Assistance activities for the last period, SCBL delivered two presentations as follows:

  1. The development on Blue Nile project that funded by EC, the presentation carried out by SCBL Coordinator Mr. Abdelatie Abdelkhier.
  2. A presentation on SCBL website has been delivered by the website Administrator, it was included the website component and contents. The Victim Assistance group members have invited to enrich the website with the relevant activities, news and materials.

 

Press Release on the new international convention to ban cluster munitions, Berlin, 24th June 2009:

Under the motto of "Millions of Cluster Bombs Ready for Destruction, More than 80 Governments meet in Berlin to plan weapon disposal"(Berlin 24th June 2009) – The new international convention banning cluster bombs is already delivering results as signatories plan the destruction of these indiscriminate weapons even before it has entered into force ... (click here for full text as PDF File)

MBT Standing Committees meetings, 25th – 29th May, 2009, Geneva:

This event attended by more than 500 participants representing (156) states and UN civil society organizations. Sudan has been presented by officials and (4) NNGOs. JASMAR represented by Mr.

Conference outcomes:

  1. It was declared that no new member affiliated to MBT since the last meeting. Also some states’ parties violated their obligations under article 4 “stockpile destruction”.

  2. Some countries requested extension to implement article 5 “mine clearance”.

  1. Sudan delegation delivered three statements (MRE, stockpile and mine clearance).

  2. JASMAR/SCBL representative participated in the ICBL/CMC meetings. It is worthwhile to mention to the release of Cluster Munitions Monitor.

  3. IMRE Advisory meeting accompanied the event; it was recommended changing the accreditation from a mandatory condition to an optional. It is also recommended to change the mission from Mine Risk Education to Risk Education (MRE to RE).

Abu Osama Abdalla - SCBL Advocacy Coordinator - participated representing SCBL.

During the conference SCBL representative held a meeting  with IDA, it discussed the implementation of the Convention for the Right of People with Disabilities CRPD.

Celebration of the Mine Action international day,
4th Apr. 2009:

This day celebrated in Friendship hall (Khartoum) where many related government authorities participated and led by Mr. Charles Maniang – Undersecretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, UN, NNGOs, INGOs and media personnel.

The opening session witnessed many speeches delivered by Mr. Abdelatie Abdelkhier – SCBL Coordinator, Mr. Tarig Gadeem (on behalf of UNMAO), and H.E. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs where he acknowledged the role of donors, UN, NNGOs & INGOs on MA in Sudan. Then Brigadier Dr. Ahmed Albadawi delivered his speech acting NMAC.

The day accompanied by folklore arts and tragedy drama on mines injury trauma. The day also included an exhibition, where JASMAR, FPDO, Red R, NMAC, UNMAO and ABRAR presented their exhibitions on MRE, demining, Victim Assistance and Cluster Munitions Convention.

Mine Ban Treaty 10th anniversary Commemoration:

Celebration launch, 27th February, 2009, marathon race

Sudan Campaign to Ban Landmines and JASMAR celebrated the event during 27th Feb. – 1st Mar. 2009. On 27th Feb. morning, a marathon race organized for 35 racers, most of them were People With Disabilities. The race blasted off from Traffic Police HQ to Martyrs Gardens through Eljamaa Street.

At the marathon end point the festival witnessed many activities started by speeches delivered by Mr. Abdelatie Abdelkhier SCBL Coordinator, Dr. Hussein Elobeid - JASMAR General Manager - and, Seddig A. Ibrahim – Athletics Association Chairperson - and Dr. Shadia Haggaz- Disabilities Sport Association.

The day accompanied by entertainment songs presented by Balimbou Band. By the end of the day prizes have been awarded to the marathon winners.

Seminar and exhibitions, 1st March, 2009

The seminar:
In the main day, the celebration was took place at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. A seminar carried out and attended by (100) participants representing many related authorities, UNDP, UNICEF, UNAMAO, NNGOs, INGOs and media personnel. The morning session was chaired by JASMAR General Manager and addressed by SCBL Coordinator, UNMAO Director, NMAC Director & DDR North Sudan Director. It was declared that 44,180,680 M2 was cleared and 1,627,124 mines and Un-explosive Remnants of War UXOs demined and destroyed. Furthermore, Sudan stockpile was completely destructed in North and South Sudan. Festival materials also distributed to the participants including T-shirts and working papers.

Later, Mr. ALio Ayeing addressed the Seminar where he explored the Mine Action history in Sudan and the national and international efforts exerted in MA to pave the way for CPA.

Celebration’s entertaining part and recognition:

Afterwards, some patriotic songs presented by a Singing Band and directly the celebration day entered into recognition and appreciation phase as 32 certificates have been awarded to the most activists as UN agencies, related authorities, INGOs, NNGOs, Commercial HMA Companies and individuals.

 Exhibitions

As part of the celebration activities, the participants paid a visit to the accompanied exhibitions that presented by JASMAR, CHARM and FPDO organizations.

CMC Presentation

By the end of the day, Mr. Abu Osama Abdallah – JASMAR Executive Director – delivered a presentation on the Cluster Munitions Convention. He enlightened the participants on the convention’s definition, content and objectives.

Oslo conference on signing cluster munitions banning convection:

The conference held between 2nd and 4th December 2008 in Oslo, Norway.

This conference attended by Norwegian Officials, governments’ representatives from (100) countries and (250) campaigners from (75) countries.

To convention targets world wide banning on the use, production, transfer and stocking of cluster bombs.

The opening session addressed by the Norwegian Prime Minister, CMC spokes person, UN representative and ICRC President.

During the conference (94) countries signed and (5) countries ratified the convention.

The signature door will be open at UN HQ in New York. It will remain open for signature until its entry into force six months after the receipt of the 30th instrument of ratification.

The Sudanese Ambassador addressed the closing session where she ensured Sudan signing in the near future. Ms. Nawal Abood – JASMAR Advocacy Officer - participated as a representative for SCBL.

Click here to read the convention full text .
   

Workshop on the Rights of PWDs in the Public Education with the Conformity International Convention of the Rights of PWDs

This workshop held in 20th Nov. 2008. The workshop organized in-cooperation between SCBL and JASMAR and funded by EU. The workshop took place at the Ministry of Public Education and under the auspices of its undersecretary H.E. Dr. Mutasim Abdulraheem within participation of (45) participants.

Workshop outcomes:

  • The opening session chaired by Dr. Hussien Elobeid JASMAR GM and addressed by Abudlrahman Khalifa – Secretary General of the National Union of Deaf and Abulaati Abdulkhair – SCBL Coordinator.

  • Abu Osama Abdullah – SCBL Advocacy Coordinator - presented the International Convention of the Rights of PWDs with focusing on education.

  • Dr. Hussein Elobeid delivered a presentation on the Bill of Rights in the interim Constitution.

  • Alsamawal Atmori- lawyer (blind) presented a paper about the National Covenant for Disability, he explained the main problems in the field of Special Education. 

  • A paper on Sudan Experience in Disabled Education has been introduced by Abdulkhalig Majzoob - Department of the Special Education in the Ministry of Public Education, he declared the coming-up survey, December 2008.

  • Afaf Merghani presented a paper on Surveillance and Mentoring, she talked about the suffering from school fees for PWDs and the curriculum upgrading. 

  • The workshop concluded with the following major recommendations:

-      To carry out monitoring process to special schools.

-      To train the cadres working in the field of special education.

-      To discuss of the workshop outcomes with the Ministry undersecretary.
   

The workshop on Cluster Munitions banning convention, 29th Oct. 2008:

This workshop held within the advocacy for the convention signing and ratification. SCBL and JASMAR (Advocacy Coordinator) were jointly organized the workshop. It was took place in the Ministry of Social Affairs under the auspices and attendance of the Ministry Undersecretary. (50) participants participated representing Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Justice and Social Affairs, General Assembly, UN, NGOs and media personnel.

During the workshop a film produced by ICRC on cluster munitions harmfulness showed to the participants. Furthermore, Mr. Abo Osama Abdullah – Advocacy Coordinator – delivered a presentation on the convention.

Then the session chair-person Dr. Hussein Obeid opened the discussion door, the government related actors’ presented their opinions on the convention signing, whereas the participants raised discussion on it. The workshop concluded with recommendations, mainly, supporting the signing in Oslo, Dec. 2008, advocating and coordinating with the related authorities to support signing process, increasing the media coverage to enlighten the Sudanese communities on cluster munitions risk and the necessity to ban it and showing up the exerted efforts in this track.
   

All Africa Cluster Munitions Conference, 29th – 30th Sep. 2008, Kampala, Uganda

This conference attended by (41) representatives for African countries and about (80) members representing the CMC from (28) African countries and worldwide including mine survivors, UNDP and ICRC.

 The Main Outcomes:

  1. The conference discussed the Oslo process and the convention on Cluster Munitions. It is also discussed the prohibited actions in the treaty.

  2. The conference showed the convention commitments and obligations in matters of victim’s assistance, clearance & risk education and stockpile destruction.

  1. All African states appealed to be present in Oslo for the treaty signature and to start the ratification process.

  2. About (29) African countries announced publicly that they will sign the treaty in Oslo in December 2008.

  3. Separate session organized for parliaments’ members. It focused on their role for pushing the treaty forward especially the ratification process.

  4. One day workshop before the conference organized by CMC for its participants. It divided the responsibilities for lobbing during the conference.

Mr. Abu Osama Abdalla – SCBL Advocacy Coordinator – participated in this conference representing SCBl.
   

Diplomatic conference for adoption of a convention on Cluster Munitions, Dublin:

This conference held during the period 19th – 30th May, 2008. About (800) participants were participated. They represented governments and the International civil society. The opening session addressed by H.E. Ireland Foreign Affairs Minister and H.E. the UN General Secretary through a televised word.  The main out comes of the treaty are, the prohibiting the use, transfer, and production of cluster munitions. It asked the state parties to destroy its stockpile within 8 years, and to clear the contaminated areas with (10) years. Also the treaty stated clearly an article for Victim Assistance. On the other hand, it dedicated a separate article to the relation between state parties and that are not. The treaty approved by the all participants, it will be presented for signing in Oslo, Dec. 2008. During the conference CMC organized on regular basis, morning briefing and evening debriefing for all campaigners for follow up, coordination and information sharing.

Mr. Abu Osama Abdalla – SCBL Coordinator - participated representing SCBL. Sudan government delegation stated Sudan support to the treaty.

  
   

Africa Cluster Munitions Collision Conference

The conference held during the period March 31st - April 1st, 2008 in Livingstone (Zambia). The participants from (39) African countries, (6) European counties, USA, UNDP and ICRC were participated in addition to NGOs and mine survivors’ representatives. Mr. Abu Osama Abdalla from JASMAR participated, representing Sudanese Campaign to Ban Landmines.

 

Conference outcomes:

  1. Participants were enlightened on the global efforts to ban Cluster Munitions as well as Oslo process that started in Feb. 2007. Also the conference pointed out to the next meeting in Dublin (Ireland) in May, 2008 for the Treaty final text. The states’ signatures door will be opened in Oslo, Dec. 2008.

  1. A presentation on African States affected by the Cluster Munitions was shown.

  2. The conference discussed the convention drafted text particularly the controversial topics such as the Cluster Munitions definition, including transitional period before inter into force and the dealing with the states outside the convention.

  3. The Treaty drafted text included an article on Victim Assistance which was not a part in Mine Banning Treaty MBT.

  4. The conference concluded by Livingstone Declaration. It assures African support to the coming-up Treaty. The declaration endorsed by all the present except Egypt.

  5. Sudan stated that it is neither a user nor stockpile owner and supports the process of Cluster Munitions banning.

  6. Three days workshop was organized by Cluster Munitions Collision CMC for its members to address the same issues and the role of the campaigners.
   

SCBL General Assembly Meeting

The SBCL held its General Assembly meeting in 21st Jan 2008 in Islamic Relief Agency (ISRA) hall to elect the new office. Participants agreed to renew the former SCBL Coordinator and all pillar coordinators expect advocacy who withdrawn. JASMAR Human Security Organization was elected to be the Advocacy Coordinator.
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