In the first part of the session the Coordinators on Victim Assistance invited States and Observers to share presentations and interventions on progress regarding national implementation of the Convention and Action Plan’s victim assistance provisions.

Opening remarks by the Coordinator on Victim Assistance (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Statement by UNICEF on behalf of UNMAT
Statement by Lao PDR
Statement by Montenegro
Statement by Lebanon
Statement by Albania
Statement by Bosnia & Herzegovina
Statement by Chile
Statement by Uganda
Statement by Mexico
Statement by Croatia
Statement by Japan
Statement by CMC
Statement by Norway
Statement by Chad

Closure remarks by the Coordinator on Victim Assistance (Austria)

The second part of the session focused on a thematic exchange of views and practices regarding the collaboration of governments and civil society organizations/NGOs in providing victim assistance on the ground. Examples of such coordination were provided by a panel of experts, followed by interventions from the floor.

Presentation by Ms. Kerryn Clarke, Programme Manager, COPE (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise), Lao PDR
Presentation by Mr. Mladen Protic, Operational Manager, UDAS (Organization of Amputees), Bosnia and Herzegovina
Presentation and Statement by Dr. Veri Dogjani, Victim Assistance Officer, Albanian Mine Action Executive (AMAE)

Statement by ICRC

Statements by CMC member organizations:
Landmine Survivors Network, Bosnia Herzegovina
Jesuit Refugee Service, Cambodia
Congolese Campaign to Ban Landmines, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Statement by Lao PDR
Statement by Bosnia and Herzegovina
Statement by Uganda
Statement by Australia
Statement by Croatia

The last part of the session focused on how states integrate the implementation of the Convention’s victim assistance provisions in existing coordination mechanisms, such as those created under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and other relevant international legal instruments, and how they ensure coordination and streamlining of victim assistance measures. Expert input was provided.

Presentation by Mr. Stefano Sensi, Advisor on Human Rights and Disability, Development and Economic and Social Issues Branch, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Presentation by Ms. Nerina Cevra, Coordinator, Victim Assistance and Survivor Rights, Action on Armed Violence

Statement by Bosnia and Herzegovina
Statement by Cambodia
Statement by Australia

Concluding remarks by the Coordinators on Victim Assistance (Austria/Bosnia and Herzegovina)