Recent Developments

In December 2001, CCW High Contracting Parties concluded a Second Review Conference of the Convention in Geneva. The Conference agreed, by consensus, to an amendment Final Report of the
2001 Review Conference

Text of Amendment to Article 1 to expand the scope of the CCW's application, previously limited to conflicts between sovereign states, to apply as well in non-international armed conflict. The amendment to expand the scope of application was originally proposed by the Netherlands, South Korea and the United States of America.

The Group of Govermental Experts (GGE)
In its final declaration, the 2001 Review Conference established an open-ended Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) to conduct follow-up work relating to the issues of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and the harm caused to civilians by the irresponsible use of mines other than anti-personnel mines (MOTAPT). The Conference determined that this intersessional work wotuld take place in Geneva in three sessions in 2002: May 21-24, July 15-26 and December 2-10.

As of the end of July 2002, the GGE's work had focused the following issues.

• Whether and how to introduce compliance mechanisms to the CCW
  
• Issues related to mines other than anti-personnel mines (MOTAPM)
• The factors and types of munitions that cause humantarian problems after a conflict
• The technical improvements and other measures for a variety of munitions and submunitions that would reduce the risks of those munitions becomeing explosive remnants of war (ERW)
  
• The adequacy of existing international humanitarian law in minimizing post-conflict risks to both civilians and to the military
• The issues associated with warning the civilian population in or close to ERW affected areas, the clearnce of ERW, the rapid provision of information to faciliate early and safe clearance of ERW, and associated issues and responsibilities
• Assistance and cooperation

See Also: Statements and Presentations