Explanation of Vote by Sweden at the UN Security Council Adoption of Resolution on Mine Action

Mr President,

I thank you and Bolivia for your efforts to raise the profile of this important issue by putting Mine Action on the Council's agenda. This has led to the adoption of today's resolution – the first on mine action – which we welcome.

As we stated during the Open Debate on 13 June, the terrible legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war on the communities where they are found cannot be overstated. Sweden fully shares the concerns expressed regarding the serious post-conflict humanitarian problems caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war. It is essential that we step up our efforts to minimize the occurrence, effects, and the risk from this threat. Sweden underlines the obligation of all states to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law.

Mr President,

Sweden is a State Party to all relevant conventions banning or regulating the use of non-controllable mines, anti-personnel land mines, cluster munitions and the handling of explosive remnants of war. We believe that the full implementation of these conventions is the most effective means to counter the risks associated with the use of such weapons.

We remain firmly committed to the international frameworks put in place to end the scourge of explosive remnants of war. We will continue to work for their full universalization and urge other to join this endeavour.

Thank you.