The First Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on Their Destruction takes place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 29 November - 3 December 2004.
The Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World is the name given to the First Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on Their Destruction. The Convention seeks to end the suffering caused by antipersonnel mines -- by prohibiting their use, requiring the destruction of existing stockpiles, and obliging States to clear mined areas and assist victims. This landmark international legal instrument, which has been adopted by over 140 States, entered into force on 1 March 1999.
Article 12 of the Convention states that a Review Conference shall be convened by the Secretary-General of the United Nations five years after the entry into force of the Convention. The purpose of the Review Conference is to: review the operation and status of the Convention; consider the need for and the interval between further Meetings of the States Parties; take decisions on submissions of States Parties as provided for in Article 5; and, adopt, if necessary, conclusions related to the implementation of the Convention.
At September 2003 Fifth Meeting of the States Parties, it was agreed that the Convention's First Review Conference would be held at United Nations facilities in Nairobi from 29 November - 3 December 2004. In addition, the States Parties agreed to designate Ambassador Wolfgang Petritsch of Austria as President of the First Review Conference. The basis for these and other decisions was the report prepared by the President of the Fourth Meeting of the States Parties on the outcomes of consultations he was mandated to undertake.
The Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World will be more than just another review of an international legal instrument. While the States Parties have begun to review progress made to date, they equally are identifying challenges that remain in order that they can adopt a powerful action plan at the Nairobi Summit. Moreover, the States Parties have called for participation at the highest possible level in the Nairobi Summit's high level session, which will take place on 2-3 December.
