Statement [Made on Behalf of the Security Council, 8 Apr. 2021, in Connection with the Council's Consideration of the Item Entitled "Maintenance of International Peace and Security"]

S/PRST/2021/8View PDF

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

A Presidential Statement of the Security Council, under agenda item 309 Maintenance of international peace and security, published in 2021.

What subjects does this mandate have?

3 subjects

Landmines Material Remnants of War Mine Clearance

What’s in this document?

11 paragraphs

On 8 April 2021, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “Maintenance of international peace and security”, in accordance with the procedure agreed in light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and set out in S/2020/372, the President of the Security Council issued the following statement on behalf of the Council:

“The Security Council reaffirms its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

“The Security Council recalls its resolution 2365 (2017) on mine action, and as well as its relevant resolutions which mandate United Nations mine action related activities in relevant peacekeeping operations and special political missions, as applicable in line with their mandates and calls on Member States and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen their efforts to implement Resolution 2365 as well as other relevant resolutions on mine action.

“The Security Council, in this regard, emphasizes the importance of mine action and the need to enhance international efforts in this field, particularly in situations of armed conflict.

“The Security Council remains deeply concerned over the high number of civilians casualties by landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as personnel participating in law enforcement, humanitarian, peacekeeping, rehabilitation and clearance programmes and operations. The Council remains seriously concerned by the threats posed to civilians by landmines, ERW and IEDs in affected countries, which have serious and lasting humanitarian, social and economic consequences for the populations of such countries. The Council remains seriously concerned that insecurity exacerbated by landmines, ERW and IEDs threatens the peace, security, and stability of Member States and hinders the freedom of movement of peacekeeping operations as well as humanitarian access, including the provision of humanitarian assistance, and impedes sustainable economic development. The Council also expresses concern over the multifaceted, negative impacts of COVID-19 on mine action activities.

“The Council also calls upon Member States to comply with their respective international treaty obligations related to mine action, and their relevant obligations under international humanitarian law. The Security Council, in this context, reiterates its call for all parties in armed conflicts to end immediately and definitively any indiscriminate use of explosive devices in violation of international humanitarian law.

“The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

“The Security Council encourages the continued inclusion of mine action, where appropriate, in ceasefire and peace agreements, stresses the importance of considering mine action during the earliest stages of planning and programming in relevant peacekeeping operations and special political missions including the necessity of establishment of a mine action component, where appropriate, as well as humanitarian emergency responses that take into account specific needs of women and children.

“The Security Council underscores the importance it places on the safety and security of peacekeepers on the ground and the need for troop- and police-contributing countries to, ensure where appropriate, that all peacekeepers in the field are equipped, informed and trained to mitigate the threat posed by landmines, ERWs and IEDs. The Council also stresses the need to enhance measures to combat the illicit procurement of components, explosives and materials for the construction of IEDs. The Council recognizes the need for the United Nations and Member States to work together to ensure, where appropriate, that missions are adequately resourced.

“The Security Council reaffirms the primary role of Member States in mine action efforts while further welcoming the supporting role of the United Nations, including the coordination role of the United Nation Mine Action Service within the UN System, as well as other relevant organizations, in mine action activities, particularly the mitigation of dangers and risks posed to civilians by landmines, ERW and IEDs, and notes with appreciation efforts of the Member States towards rehabilitation of victims of landmines and IED. The Council encourages Member States, in particular those that have the capacity to do so, as well as the United Nations system and other relevant organizations and institutions involved in mine action, to enhance, upon request and as appropriate, support for mine-affected Member States including through the sharing of best practices, providing technological and financial assistance to affected countries. The Council encourages continued partnership and cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, to mitigate the threat to civilians from landmines, ERW and IEDs. The Security Council reaffirms that partnership and cooperation between national authorities, the United Nations and other relevant international actors including civil society are important to the success of mine action. The Council acknowledges the efforts of the United Nations Mine Action Service and encourages Member States to continue to support it.

“The Security Council, in commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, reiterates its commitment to mine action with a view to contributing to the protection of civilians and supporting stabilization and peacebuilding efforts in armed conflicts and post-conflict situations.”

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

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