1997 CONVENTION ON THE PROHIBITION OF THE USE, STOCKPILING, PRODUCTION AND TRANSFER OF ANTI-PERSONNEL MINES AND ON THEIR DESTRUCTION

1997 CONVENTION ON THE PROHIBITION OF THE USE, STOCKPILING, PRODUCTION AND TRANSFER OF ANTI-PERSONNEL MINES AND ON THEIR DESTRUCTION

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(Ratification): **

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Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence (a) whether Singapore is working towards ratifying and acceding to the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction; (b) what impediments still exist to Singapore doing so; and (c) if he will provide an update on what steps Singapore has taken to address the humanitarian concerns surrounding the use of anti-personnel land mines.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Singapore is not a State Party to the 1997 Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. Like several other countries, we believe that the humanitarian concerns pertaining to anti-personnel mines should be balanced against the legitimate security concerns of states. While we maintain the right to use anti-personnel mines for self-defence, we also support any initiatives against the indiscriminate use of these mines, especially when they are used against innocent civilians.

Singapore shares the concerns of the international community over the humanitarian impact of anti-personnel mines. We will continue to support international efforts to resolve the humanitarian concerns over anti-personnel mines, and to work with members of the international community towards a durable and truly global solution. Meanwhile, we have put in place, since 1998, a moratorium on anti-personnel mine exports. This moratorium covers all types of anti-personnel mines and is in place indefinitely.

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