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STATEMENT BY THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA

United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee

Mine Action

28 October 2011, New York

Mme Chair,

As Lithuania is taking the floor for the first time, let me welcome you and assure of my delegation's full support.

Lithuania aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.

Let me now touch upon the issues of a particular importance to my delegation.

We thank the UN Secretary-General for his report on Assistance in mine action (MA) which offers a useful insight into the UN activities and recommendations for further improvements.

Lithuania commends the efforts of the MA community – the UN Mine Action Team (UNMAT), including the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), NGOs and other stakeholders. Lithuania will continue its cooperation with and assistance to MA community through different governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, such as the EU, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), NATO, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and others. This year we intend to contribute to the UN Voluntary Fund for assistance in MA.

Mme Chair,

There is a range of international humanitarian law instruments relevant to MA in which Lithuania is actively participating.

In March of this year Lithuania became the 55th State Party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. We have also submitted a voluntary transparency report under Article 7. Lithuania welcomes the growing number of ratifications and accessions to the Convention and calls to put more effort in keeping and increasing the momentum to make this treaty universal.

We are convinced that negotiations on a new additional protocol on cluster munitions under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons should lead to the adoption of a legally binding document that would provide a significant humanitarian effect and strengthen international humanitarian law. It is also important to further implement and universalize the Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War (V Protocol).

On the Anti-Personnel Landmine Ban Treaty, Lithuania remains convinced that the main responsibility to implement the Convention lies with a relevant State Party. However, the assistance from other stakeholders is vital. At the same time, donors should take into account the particular situation of each receiving country, encourage national ownership and contribute to building national capacities. It is also essential that both - aid receiving and providing parties – honor their mutual commitments to cooperate. This is what Lithuania has learned from its experience of assistance programmes, as well as a Co-Chair of the Standing Committee on Stockpile Destruction.

In the latter capacity, my delegation would like to thank all concerned countries and actors for their cooperation in implementing the provisions of the Convention on stockpile destruction.

Lithuania calls upon the mine action community to further assist affected countries, including through development of technical solutions to overcome the particular challenges, such as destroying PFM mines in an effective, sustainable and environmentally sound manner.

As forums and instruments related to MA are becoming more numerous and complex, in my delegation's opinion, there is a clear need to explore ways of a more integrated approach, increased coherence and cooperation between their respective memberships, secretariats and other stakeholders.

We welcome the continued efforts to include MA in humanitarian and development plans as well as consolidated appeal processes. Long-term approach and commitment, including by donors, is key in this regard.

Finally, let me express Lithuania's strong conviction that multilateral and bilateral programmes related to security and development should take into account gender aspects, in particular by protecting women and girls and promoting their participation as beneficiaries, practitioners and decision makers. The Security Council resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions on Women, Peace and Security provide a relevant framework in this regard. We note with appreciation the revised “Gender Guidelines for Mine Action Programmes”.

Thank you.