The Nairobi Summit

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The Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World - or first Review Conference of the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty - is scheduled to coincide with the 7th anniversary of the Treaty’s creation.

It took place from 29 November to 3 December 2004 in Nairobi, Kenya. Since Africa is the most heavily mined continent in the world, and since African nations have played a key role in negotiating and implementing the Treaty, it is indeed appropriate that this event be held in Nairobi.

Hundreds of participants took part in the event: world leaders, NGOs, international organisations, landmine survivors, UN agencies and youths. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called for the highest representation at the Summit.

It is an historic occasion in the life of the Treaty to Ban Landmines, as it takes place halfway between the treaty's establishment under international law in 1999 and the deadline in 2009 for most member states to clear minefields.

The purpose of the Summit is to:
• review the operation and status of the treaty
• consider the need for and the interval between further meetings of the State Parties
• take decisions on the submissions of State Parties
• adopt, if necessary, conclusions related to the implementation of the treaty.

Member governments came to Nairobi and reported on the progress of treaty implementation, such as mine clearance, victim assistance and levels of compliance. They produced a Nairobi Declaration, Action Plan and Final Report which will chart the way forward for the coming 5 years.

Expected outcomes include a renewal of commitment from State Parties to their obligations under the treaty, both political and financial, and to fully implement and universalize the treaty. New ratifications and accessions to the Treaty from non-member states are also anticipated.

For further information and updates on the Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World visit: Review Conference website (http://www.reviewconference.org) or ICBL website (http://www.icbl.org)