Statement by Ambassador Pankaj Sharma at 15th Conference of the High Contracting Parties to CCW Protocol V (Abridged Version) 09 December 2021 , Geneva
Mr. President
India congratulates you on assuming the Presidency of the 15th Conference of the High Contracting parties to the CCW Protocol V this year. We assure you of our full support as you guide this important area of our work.
Mr. President
India is a signatory to all the five protocols of the CCW and is fully committed to the Convention and the humanitarian principles enshrined in it. The Convention and its Protocols, while stipulating measures to mitigate humanitarian concerns arising from the use of specific weapons and weapon systems, strive to strike a balance with military necessity. India is steadfast in its commitment to ensure the full implementation of our obligations under the CCW and its Protocols.
India, one of the initial signatories to Protocol V in 2005 attaches special importance to it and had the honor of holding the Presidency of the CCW when the Protocol was negotiated. Indiais deeply aware of the grave humanitarian concerns caused by the explosive remnants of war, and is fully committed to cooperation and assistance towards its full implementation. India’s efforts to implement its obligations under the Protocol V are contained in our National Annual Reports, which are submitted in a timely manner. We believe that the universalization of the Protocol should continue to be a priority.
Mr. President
India attaches high priority to internationalcooperation and assistancein the implementation of Protocol V. India stands ready to contribute towards capacity building, victim assistance and victim rehabilitation. Furthermore, as a major troop contributor to the UN Peace Keeping Missions, India actively participates in peacekeeping activities that include removal and deactivation of IEDs and demining assistance, wherever required.
Mr. President
India for Humanity initiative, launched as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, has conducted several limb fitment camps with over 6500 limbs fitted in the last three yearsin various countries. The prosthetic limb, popularly known as Jaipur Foot, has gained recognition worldwide for its efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness. The Programme has now been extended up to March 2023.
Furthermore, India’s ratification of the Convention on Right of Persons with Disabilities underscores the importance we attach to victim assistance.
Mr. President
India presently does not have any Explosive Remnants of War (ERW). Our military engineers are well trained and equipped for clearance and destruction of ordnance, including ERW. Detailed SOPs are in place for marking and clearance of the ERW which include, prioritization of areas requiring clearance, identification of risk zones, liaison with civilian authorities, educating the civil populace, providing medical support as well as provision of fencing with posters and danger signs, in ERW risk zones.
We would like to underscore the need for sharing new technologies which can be deployed for removal or deactivation of ERW. In addition, adherence to basic procedures to include voluntary reporting, mapping of contaminated areas, dynamic updating of the database and maintaining real time sanitization record of the clearance efforts would also help in mitigating the threats of ERW.
As we approach the Sixth Review Conference of the CCW next week, India hopes that this Conference would further contribute to thefull and effective implementation of Protocol V under your able guidance.
The full version of the statement will be made available on the CCW portal.
I thank you Mr. President.
