V. COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES UNDECIDED ON THE BAN TREATY

Australia27 (Canberra)

Australia has not produced or exported antipersonnel landmines, but maintains a stockpile. On April 15, 1996 it declared a unilateral indefinite suspension on operational use of antipersonnel landmines (only to be reviewed in event of exceptional circumstances involving a "substantial deterioration in strategic situation"). Stockpiles will be kept for training and research into landmine clearance.

Australia voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/4, endorsed the Brussels Declaration, and participated in the Oslo negotiations. However, at the end of the negotiations, it stated that it was uncertain whether it would sign the treaty. Australia has promoted the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva as the proper forum for a ban, rather than the Ottawa Process. The ICBL has criticized Australia for this stance because the CD is likely to take many years, if not decades, to reach agreement on a mine ban.

Brunei Darussalam (Bandar Seri Begawan)

Brunei does not have a landmine problem. It is not known whether its armed forces maintain a stockpile of landmines. Brunei voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/45, but did not endorse the Brussels declaration and attended the Oslo negotiations only as an observer.

Gambia (Banjul)

There is no known landmine problem. Gambia voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/45S, but did not endorse the Brussels declaration or attend the Oslo negotiations. Its attorney general, Haw Sisal-Scybala told Human Rights Watch in September 1997 that there was no reason for this other than being forgotten and that she thought Gambia would sign if pressed.28

Kenya (Nairobi)

There is no current landmine problem although there have been media reports of a few landmine incidents in Turkana region. Kenya maintains antipersonnel landmine stockpiles and has used antipersonnel mines in the past along the Somali border in North Eastern Province.29 Kenya voted 'Yes' on UNGA Resolution 51/45S, but did not endorse the Brussels Declaration. Nevertheless, Kenya attended the Oslo negotiations as a full participant. There continues to be uncertainty about whether Kenya will actually sign the treaty in December.

Kiribati (Tarawa)

There are no reports that Kiribati has a landmine problem or possesses antipersonnel mines. It voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/45S but has not participated in the Ottawa process.

Maldives (Male)

There are no reports that Maldives has a landmine problem or possesses antipersonnel mines. It voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/45S but has not participated in the Ottawa process.

Nauru (Nauru)

There are no reports that Nauru has a landmine problem or possesses antipersonnel mines. It voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/45S but has not participated in the Ottawa process.

Samoa (Apia)

There are no reports that Samoa has a landmine problem or possesses antipersonnel mines. It voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/45S but has not participated in the Ottawa process.

Solomon Islands (Honiara)

There are no reports that the Solomon Islands has a landmine problem or possesses antipersonnel mines. It voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/45S. During the Australia NGO Forum in August 1997 it announced full support for the Ottawa process, but has not attended any of the diplomatic conferences.

Tonga (Nuku'alofa)

There are no reports that Tonga has a landmine problem or possesses antipersonnel mines. It voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/45S but has not participated in the Ottawa process.

Tuvalu (Funafuti)

There are no reports that Tuvalu has a landmine problem or possesses antipersonnel mines. It voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/45S but has not participated in the Ottawa process.

Vanuatu (Port Vila)

There are no reports that Vanuatu has a landmine problem or possesses antipersonnel mines. It voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/45S. It announced full support for the Ottawa process at the Australia NGO Forum in August, but has not participated in the diplomatic meetings.