62ème Session du Conseil des Droits de l’Homme
Représentation permanente de la Belgique auprès des Nations Unies et auprès des institutions spécialisées à Genève
Item 3 - ID on the report of the HC on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the enjoyment of all human rights, with particular emphasis on economic, social and cultural rights.
26 juin 2026
Chair,
Belgium thanks the High Commissioner for his report.
My country was first to enact national legislation banning anti-personnel land mines and cluster munitions. We played a pioneering role in the creation of the Ottawa and the Oslo Conventions.
It is therefore no surprise that we agree with the High Commissioner’s warning about the persistent use of anti-personnel land mines, which have a dire impact on civilians. It impedes their enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, such as the rights to life, education, work, food and the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
We urge fellow Member States to uphold international law limiting use of anti-personnel land mines. We are proud to take up the presidency of the 24th Meeting of the States Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention as of December.
Our commitment further consists of financial contributions to mine action programs.
Belgium also offers in-kind support to authorities in the shape of capacity building, training and demining equipment.
In its action Belgium pays attention to the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and the need to adapt activities to leave no one behind.
Thank you