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Statement by Geneva Call When the war on terrorism locks out humanitarian efforts Currently the “war on terrorism” takes precedence over most political, and even humanitarian strategies. Rebel groups and guerrillas are listed as terrorists and any contact with them is often condemned. But might it not be time to think about the humanitarian impact of this “war” and to innovate with new approaches? The international day against landmines, on the 4th of April, should remind us of the fact that the commitment of armed groups against this form of armament has made it possible to come to the rescue of civilian populations. 11 years ago, the world was innovating; for the first time in its history, the international community managed to establish a humanitarian convention concerned with disarmament in less than 18 months. The Ottawa Convention was born. By banning anti-personnel mines from state military strategies, it was naively assumed that they would soon be eradicated from modern warfare. Although some notable progress has been achieved, these efforts have not been entirely successful. Every year landmines claim around fifteen thousand victims, who are either killed or horribly maimed. Furthermore, the main users of this weaponry are no longer governmental regular forces but rather non-State armed groups who do not have access to the Ottawa Convention since it can only be signed by States. Certain liberation movements, guerrillas and rebel groups make a daily use of what is sometimes termed ‘the poor man's weapon’ as they are easy and cheap to build and to transport. Since these armed actors are not allowed to sign the Ottawa Convention, how can they be persuaded to apply standards of humanitarian law banning landmines? Geneva Call has tried to implement an innovative approach to address this issue. This organization has established an original and unique process, the Deed of Commitment to a total ban of anti-personnel landmines, which is similar to the Ottawa Convention but addresses armed non-State actors. It enables them to formally commit themselves to a landmine ban. This new approach chooses not to concentrate on the classic method of naming and shaming these groups, but rather on including them in a process aimed at making them aware of their responsibilities. This approach is not as utopian as it may seem. To date 35 armed groups have signed the Deed of Commitment and agreed to ban landmines. They have also made efforts to assist or facilitate assistance to the civilian populations living in their conflict zone (mine clearing, aid to the victims, etc)... However, these efforts of commitment are currently being undermined by the tendency to list many of these groups as terrorist and to criminalise those who try to establish a contact or to negotiate with them, even for humanitarian purposes. The media often reminds us of the fact that exclusion is counterproductive and tends to radicalise positions and to harden actions. It blocks out humanitarian aid and causes the abandonment of those who suffer the most of the situation. An inclusive approach to armed actors is more likely to moderate even the fiercest attitudes. “Commitment” does not mean “legitimising”, nor does it mean “amnesty ”, or “encouragement”. It is crucial in humanitarian negotiations with these groups, to continue to strongly condemn inhumane acts that adversely impact on civilians and to clearly state that there are certain limits in the war effort that cannot, in any circumstances, be crossed. With Geneva Call's process, the inclusive approach has proved itself to be successful and armed non-State actors have demonstrated that they are capable of becoming responsible and respectful of humanitarian norms. This process carries hope and must now be extended, not only in the ongoing fight to ban landmines but also in other domains, such as the issue of child soldiers or violence against women and in particular the use of rape as an instrument of war. The “war on terrorism” must now start to integrate and to accept this approach, in order to give a chance to civilian populations who suffer the effects of conflicts. Elisabeth Decrey Warner
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