Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/781 of 14 April 2025 in support of the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan for the implementation of the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction

• CELEX: Decision (CFSP) 2025/781
• Articles: 6

Article 1

1.   The Union shall further contribute to the implementation and universalisation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (‘the Convention’) through an operational action supporting the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025–2029.

2.   The objectives of the action referred to in paragraph 1 shall be to support:

(a)

greater implementation of Article 5 of the Convention;

(b)

greater implementation of a rights-based approach to ‘victim assistance’ (Article 6.3 of the Convention);

(c)

fostering promotion of and adherence to the Convention and its norm;

(d)

compliance with Article 3 of the Convention including through the fostering of cooperation and assistance;

(e)

promoting implementation of National legislation under Article 9 of the Convention; and

(f)

demonstrating the commitment of the Union and Member States to the Convention.

3.   The objectives referred to in paragraph 2 shall be pursued in such a way as to reinforce the Convention’s tradition of partnership and collaboration between States, non-governmental organisations and other organisations, including representatives from mine-affected communities. All actions shall ensure an inclusive approach at all levels.

4.   A detailed description of the action referred to in paragraph 1 is set out in the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

1.   The High Representative for the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.

2.   The technical implementation of the action referred to in Article 1 shall be entrusted to the Implementation Support Unit (ISU), represented by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).

3.   The ISU shall perform the tasks referred to in paragraph 2 under the responsibility of the High Representative. For that purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the GICHD.

Article 3

1.   The financial reference amount for the implementation of the action referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 2 700 000,00.

2.   The expenditure financed by the reference amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.

3.   The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure financed by the reference amount set out in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with the GICHD, stipulating that the ISU is to ensure the visibility of the Union’s contribution, appropriate to its size.

4.   The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the financing agreement referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after the entry into force of this Decision. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties in the process and of the date of conclusion of the financing agreement.

5.   The ISU shall implement the action referred to in Article 1 in accordance with the Decision on strengthening financial governance and transparency within the ISU, taken at the Fourteenth Meeting of the States Parties in 2015. The ISU shall provide, amongst other reporting, narrative and quarterly reports, as well as a logical framework and activity matrix as set out in the Annex.

Article 4

1.   The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the ISU. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation by the Council.

2.   The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the implementation of this Decision.

Article 5

1.   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

2.   This Decision shall expire 48 months after the date of conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3) or six months after the date of its adoption if no financing agreement has been concluded within that period.

Schedules & Appendices

ANNEX

ANNEX

PROJECT DOCUMENT

Action in support of the Implementation of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and its Siem Reap - Angkor Action Plan 2025-2029

1.    Goal

To contribute to greater human security by promoting acceptance of the norms, greater national ownership, and implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (‘the AP Mine Ban Convention’, or ‘the Convention’).

The European Union (EU)-backed project would support States Parties’ efforts to implement the Text of the Convention and the various aspects of the Siem Reap - Angkor Action Plan (SRAAP) 2025-2029.

The proposed Project would build on the work carried out under the Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/257 – itself building upon the successes and lessons learnt through Council Decisions (CFSP) 2017/1428, 2012/700/CFSP, and Joint Action 2008/487/CFSP, all projects implemented by the Convention’s Implementation Support Unit (ISU).

The proposed project would contribute to further implementing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda of the 1325 UN Security Council Resolution.

2.    Project

2.1.

Greater Article 5 Implementation

2.1.1.    Objective

Promoting greater national ownership and understandings of obligations under Article 5 and ways to achieve them including through the fostering of cooperation (international, regional, triangular, south south) under Article 6, and need for transparency and the exchange of information under Article 7; including by applying relevant Best Practices and Actions enshrined in the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025-2029.

2.1.2.    Results

—

As it relates to Article 5, relevant authorities:

—

gain better understanding to address contamination by improvised anti-personnel mines within the framework of the Convention including reporting, mine risk education and risk reduction, survey and clearance;

—

improve knowledge on the need to ensure sustainable capacities to address new/residual contamination well ahead of completion;

—

enhance learning on context-specific risk education;

—

gain increased knowledge on the importance of exploring sustainable innovative technology and methodologies for survey and clearance;

—

learn/improve implementation of best practices and other relevant actions of the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025-2029.

—

As it relates to Article 6, relevant authorities:

—

foster partnerships for completion and/or the establishment of National Mine Action Platforms;

—

increase consultation with stakeholders including civil society;

—

improve integration of gender and the diverse needs of mine-affected communities in national for as well as environmental considerations;

—

increase capacities and meaningful participation of beneficiary communities.

—

As it relates to Article 7 relevant authorities:

—

increase transparency through the submission of timely and high quality reports;

—

improve exchange of information with stakeholders through discussions in national and/or regional Dialogues.

2.1.3.    Beneficiaries

—

The 30+ States Parties in the process of implementing Article 5 obligations  ( 1 ) or those that have recently fulfilled or are nearing fulfilment of such obligations or that find themselves with new or previously unknown contamination, including by anti-personnel mines of an improvised nature.

—

Women, girls, boys, and men whose lives are affected by the presence or suspected presence of anti-personnel mines, including those of an improvised nature, in mine affected States Parties.

2.1.4.    Activities

Beneficiary States Parties may either express interest or be nominated to host national or regional activities. Either way, the process would benefit from input from the Committee on Article 5 Implementation. Dialogues would be organised and co-facilitated by the ISU and the beneficiary State Party. In the spirit of cooperation that has been a staple of the Convention and the Project, relevant States, international and non-governmental organisations would be consulted and/or involved in the activities. This would also apply when the beneficiary State is involved in a country ‘coalition’ or partnership with the European Union or Member States.

Follow-up actions may be undertaken in response to recommendations stemming from the Dialogues, Committee’s Observations, and/or relevant Decision of the States Parties (e.g. on extension requests).

—

Up to four (4) regional or National stakeholder Dialogues to address matters related to Article 5 / human security, including the use of and humanitarian consequences caused by improvised anti-personnel mines or with upcoming mine clearance deadlines that require support or that want to improve dialogue with stakeholders.

—

Up to four (4) follow-up support actions/activities.

Follow-up actions may be undertaken in response to recommendations stemming from the Dialogues, Committee’s Observations, and/or relevant Decisions of the States Parties, or to better align with Mine Action Standards or the SRAAP.

2.2.

Greater implementation of a rights-based approach to ‘victim assistance’ (Article 6.3)

2.2.1.    Objective

Promoting greater national ownership, understandings, and implementation of obligations under Article 6.3 and enhanced cooperation and assistance (Article 6) bearing in mind the 2030 development agenda, and transparency and the exchange of information under Article 7, including by applying relevant Best Practices and Actions of the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025-2029.

2.2.2.    Results

—

As it relates to Article 6.3 relevant authorities:

—

develop or improve victim assistance/disability plans with specific, measurable, realistic and time-bound objectives;

—

increase national synergies with efforts under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as well as other national frameworks;

—

promote the need for rehabilitation, psychosocial or peer-to-peer support, and centralised database;

—

empower and further develop the capacity of mine survivors and/or their representative organisations;

—

learn/improve understanding on the implementation of best practices and other relevant actions of the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025-2029.

—

As it relates to Article 6 relevant authorities:

—

increase partnerships and cooperation (international, regional, triangular, south-south and/or with civil society organisations, as well as cross-sectoral);

—

increase capacities and meaningful participation of beneficiary communities.

—

As it relates to Article 7 relevant authorities:

—

increase transparency through the submission of timely quality reports;

—

improve exchange of information with stakeholders through discussions in national and/or regional Dialogues.

2.2.3.    Beneficiaries

—

The 30+ States Parties  ( 2 ) that have reported mine victims in territory under their jurisdiction or control and disability rights practitioners working in these States Parties.

—

Women, girls, boys, and men who have fallen victim to mines and other explosive remnants of war and/or affected communities.

2.2.4.    Activities

Beneficiary States Parties may either express interest or be nominated to host national or regional activities. Either way, the process would benefit input from the Committee on Victim Assistance. Dialogues would be organised and co-facilitated by the ISU and the beneficiary State. In the spirit of cooperation that has been a staple of the Convention and the Action, relevant States, international and non-governmental organisations would be consulted and/or involved in the activities. This would also apply when the beneficiary State is involved in a country ‘coalition’ or partnership with the European Union or Member States.

—

One (1) Global Conference – the fourth such conference unique in its kind benefitting the Convention community and beyond

Up to three (3) national or regional stakeholder Dialogues

—

Up to two (2) Victim Assistance Expert Meetings

—

Up to three (3) follow-up support actions/activities

Follow-up actions may be undertaken in response to recommendations stemming from the Dialogues, Committee’s Observations, and/or relevant Decision of the States Parties, or to better align victim assistance efforts to those carried out to meet the CRPD obligations.

2.3.

Fostering promotion of and adherence to the Convention and its norm

2.3.1.    Objective

Promoting accession and understandings of the Convention and its norm at high- and technical-level in States not party.

2.3.2.    Results

—

Increased awareness of the Convention and its norms by high-level diplomats and/or officials in States not party;

—

Greater understanding of support available for accession by technocrats;

—

Gains obtained on either moratorium or UNGA voting record by States not party;

—

Improved/new engagement with the Convention by States not party;

—

Renewed commitment by Convention stakeholders for universalization according to the SRAAP.

2.3.3.    Beneficiaries and targets

—

30+ States which have not yet ratified, approved, accepted, or acceded to the Convention.

—

States Parties to the Convention and international and non-governmental organisations involved in efforts to promote the universalisation of the Convention.

—

Women, girls, boys, and men in states where a mine ban is put into place.

2.3.4.    Activities

For this purpose, and with input from the Convention’s President – and informal universalization group as relevant – the Project would support high-level and technical universalization efforts. In the spirit of cooperation that has been a staple of the Convention and the Project, relevant States and international organisations would be consulted and/or involved in the activities. This would also apply when the beneficiary State is involved in a country ‘coalition’ or partnership with the European Union or Member States.

Activities would include:

—

Up to two (2) high-level missions involving the Convention’s Special Envoys and/or President, or other state-official in a position to engage at a high-level in States not party, or ambassadorial-level meetings at the United Nations (UN) headquarters or regional headquarters, or in a State Party as relevant; or,

—

Up to two (2) national or regional diplomatic or technical meetings with States not party; or,

—

A combination of a high-level and technical meeting.

Follow-up actions – including sponsorship of relevant officials from target States to attend Convention meetings – may be undertaken in response to recommendations stemming from the universalization missions, President’s Observations, informal and/or national group(s) strategies, and/or relevant Decision of the States Parties.

2.4.

Compliance with Article 3 including through the fostering of cooperation and assistance

2.4.1.    Objective

Fostering implementation of Article 3, Article 7, and Article 8 (compliance) by promoting: that retained anti-personnel mines should be used as intended, their destruction, or considering alternatives to said mines in accordance with the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025-2029.

2.4.2.    Results

States Parties:

—

Increase compliance resulting from greater understandings of Article 3 obligations;

—

Increased transparency and reporting through annual reports and statements;

—

Reduce the number of mines retained as a result of the intervention;

—

Renew cooperation to either explore alternatives to live anti-personnel mines or destroy retained mines.

2.4.3.    Beneficiaries

—

The 60+ States Parties with Article 3 commitments and personnel with responsibility for said mines.

—

States Parties wanting to provide cooperation and assistance in this regard.

—

Women, girls, boy and men in states where retained mines are destroyed.

2.4.4.    Activities

Beneficiary States Parties may either express interest or be nominated to host or participate in activities. Either way, the process is to benefit from input by the Convention’s President and Committee on Cooperative Compliance.

Activities would be organised and co-facilitated by the ISU and beneficiary or host State. In the spirit of cooperation that has been a staple of the Convention and the Project, relevant States, international and non-governmental organisations would be consulted and/or involved in the activities. This would also apply when the beneficiary State is involved in a country ‘coalition’ or partnership with the European Union or Member States.

Activities would include:

—

Up to one (1) regional, national, online technical workshop, or national support

—

Up to one (1) follow-up action – including sponsorship of relevant officials from target States to attend Convention meetings or to other States Parties for further exploration of techniques or of experts to visit said states.

Follow up may be undertaken in response to recommendations stemming from the workshop conclusions, President’s Observations, and/or relevant Decision of the States Parties.

2.5.

Promoting implementation of National Legislation under Article 9

2.5.1.    Objective

Promoting compliance with Article 9, by fostering information and support for national legislation banning any activity prohibited to a State Party by any person or on territory under its jurisdiction or control. Supporting States Parties with implementation of their commitment under Article 9 and to report under Article 7 on the measures taken in accordance with the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025-2029.

2.5.2.    Results

—

Increased compliance of Article 9 obligations by States Parties that have not established national implementation measures or reported whether they consider existing legislation to be sufficient;

—

Increased transparency and reporting through annual reports and statements by States Parties;

—

Renewed cooperation among States Parties or with organisations to explore compliance.

2.5.3.    Beneficiaries

—

The 40+ States Parties with outstanding Article 9 obligations  ( 3 ) and personnel with responsibility for said laws.

—

States Parties wanting to provide cooperation and assistance in this regard.

—

Women, girls, boy and men in states where sufficient legislation exists.

2.5.4.    Activities

Beneficiary States Parties may either express interest or be nominated to host a national workshop. Either way, the process is to benefit from the Convention’s President and Committee on Cooperative Compliance input. Activities would be organised and co-facilitated by the ISU and beneficiary or host State. In the spirit of cooperation that has been a staple of the Convention and the Project, relevant States, international and non-governmental organisations (e.g. the International Committee of the Red Cross) would be consulted and/or involved in the activities.

Activities would include:

—

Up to one (1) regional, national, or online technical workshop

—

Up to one (1) follow up support action

Follow-up action – including sponsorship of relevant officials from target States to attend Convention meetings and engage in discussions on matters related to Article 9 or of international experts to visit said states – may be undertaken in response to recommendations stemming from the workshop conclusions, President’s Observations and/or relevant Decision of the States Parties.

2.6.

Demonstrating the commitment of the Union and Member States to the Convention

2.6.1.    Objective

Promoting the Convention and highlighting the contribution of the European Union and its Member States towards its implementation.

2.6.2.    Results

—

Increased affinity gained by the Convention and mine action community on role of the European Union and its Member States;

—

Increased awareness of the Convention among the general public.

2.6.3.    Beneficiaries and target

—

The + 190 UN Member States including the 164 States Parties to the Convention

—

European Union Delegations and structures, states and international and non-governmental organisations and general public in places where activities take place

2.6.4.    Activities

As per the previous EU projects, the ISU would undertake to highlight the role of the Union and Member States among the Convention community and in beneficiary and target States. For this purpose and under the Communication and Visibility Plan, the ISU would hold the following activities,

—

Up to two (2) high visibility or promotional activities; and

—

Up to four (4) briefings – such as launch and/or closing of the project plus annual briefings during the implementation phase.

( 1 )   Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Peru, Senegal, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, State of Palestine, Sudan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Türkiye, Ukraine, Yemen and Zimbabwe.

( 2 )   Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, State of Palestine, Peru, Senegal, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Türkiye, Uganda, Ukraine, Yemen and Zimbabwe.

( 3 )   Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Haiti, Jamaica, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Nauru, Nigeria, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uruguay and Vanuatu.